Chapter 27

Anila POV

He looked surprised by my question as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders and tucked me into his side.

“No, of course not. It’s good that you learned fast,” he told me. “It means you will be safe during your shift at your current pace. Your body will be strong and able to handle the change.”

“You just seemed worried earlier,” I pointed out. “When I first succeeded, I mean.”

He shook his head.

“Did I seem worried?” He asked, his brows scrunching together. “I wasn’t trying to seem worried and I’m sorry if it came off that way. I’ve just never seen anyone learn as quickly as you before. But make no mistake, I’m incredibly proud of you and relieved that you were able to do it so quickly.”

I smiled at his praise and leaned into him.

I felt a thousand times closer to Xaden at that moment and there was no doubt in my mind that it was Xaden that I wanted more than anyone. I didn’t care if I had multiple mates, Xaden was the mate for me.

My heart, body, and soul belonged to him fully.

“I learned quickly even with you distracting me during training. Awfully naughty of you, Professor Gresham,” I teased, purring his name.

His shoulders stiffened as his eyes dragged over my body like he was observing the world's sexiest model.

“Dangerous game, Anila. I told you I lose control when around you.” His voice was deep, a low rumbling in his chest that had my spine shuddering with anticipation.

“You’re right, that was careless of me,” I admitted, my smirk not leaving my face as we broke through the clearing and entered the school grounds.

“Oh, Anila, I forgot to mention earlier,” Xaden started, and I caught the corner of his lip curl with a smirk, “Distracted, and all that.”

I shook my head, “Yeah, yeah, like it’s my fault.”

“You did ask to ride me.” He volleyed, and I smacked his chest lightly.

“I didn’t mean it like that!” I shrieked, and he laughed deep in his chest before shaking his head.

“Anyways, I wanted you to take note that tonight is the full moon” He started again, “And wolves close to their shift might have their eyes change yellow for a moment. It’s something you could watch for today and tonight. It could start as early as the day though so just be wary of that.”

I smiled, “Okay, I’ll keep an eye out. Does the same thing happen to bears and other shifters?”

Xaden shook his head, “Bear’s eyes will turn red. Other shifters, it varies.”

I nodded in response, mulling over how Harley would look with red eyes. By the time we reached the dining hall, it was just after 6 am. We got some dinner and we sat together to eat. Penny and others must have eaten earlier because there was no sign of them.

There was no sign of Zach and Harley either, but Damien sat with a small group of people and Sarah clung to his side. I tried not to look in their direction and to just focus my attention on my food and Xaden.

We talked about our next lessons. He was going to teach me a freezing spell that would freeze people in place, much like the spell Zach had used on me in the elevator last night. I didn’t tell Xaden about that though, not wanting to upset him or bring up his brother.

When we finished eating, Xaden brought me back to my dorm room, kissing me gently on the lips.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he whispered to me.

I nodded, feeling my cheeks warming.

Before I could leave the elevator, his arm snaked around my waist and he pressed his lips to mine for a deeper kiss, stealing my breath as he kissed me so passionately.

I heard Penny gasp, “oh!” before she turned away and scurried away from the elevator.

Xaden pulled away from me, pressing his forehead to mine. “Until tomorrow, little mate.”

With that, I stepped out of the elevator, allowing the doors to close. He winked just before the doors sealed shut and I was left staring at the elevator in awe.

“Holy crap.” I sighed.

“I’ll say!” Penny laughed as she stepped out of the community kitchen. I was glad nobody else was around and it was only her.

When I looked at her, I noticed she was done up head to toe. Her hair was in perfect curls around her face, her lips a deep purple that matched her strappy dress and heels.

“Oh, you look nice,” I admired.

Penny smiled, “Thank you. I’m heading to a dorm party this morning, want to come with?” She offered, but I held up my head, my legs still sore from earlier.

I frowned, glancing at the clock on the wall. It was just after 7:30 am.

“It’s almost curfew,” I told her, confused.

“Mornings of the full moon they lift the curfew and allow us to have a dorm party,” she explained.

“I see,” I said, a bit hurt that Xaden hadn’t mentioned anything about a party. I wondered if he was going to it.

I was still sore from my earlier adventures, and I wasn’t sure I was up for a party anyway.

“I think I’m just going to unwind today,” I finally said after a short pause.

“Next time?” She pouted, and I nodded.

“Next time.”

Penny left shortly after, and I went up to our dorm room where I was finally able to take a shower.

I closed my eyes as the hot water rinsed through my aching body and I breathed in the calming and gentle steam as it filled the bathroom. As I ran my fingers across my body, lathering it in soap, I imagined Xaden’s fingers all over my body, making me feel as good as he did earlier. My cheeks flushed from the memory of his body pressed firmly against mine. His fullness inside of me and stretching me to form his manhood perfectly.

I felt like I was molded for him perfectly, or maybe he was created for me.

I suddenly remembered the plan b that was still in my pocket and made a mental note to take as soon as I got out of the shower. I certainly didn’t want any accidents, especially this early on in my school year.

I thought about what Xaden was saying about how wolves' eyes change to yellow during the full moon and I wondered if my eyes would also change to yellow.

If I were to be honest, I’ve started to suspect something is… off about me.

Especially when the amulet for my magical medium chose me, whatever the heck that meant. The fact that I was able to learn a spell after only a few hours when it takes everyone else days.

Not to mention having three, maybe four mates. That feeling when being in any of their presence is undeniable, and sometimes I wondered if it was just me who felt like that. I shouldn’t be thinking about anyone else other than Xaden.

He was the one I wanted after all.

Wasn’t he?

But I started to ask myself, would I be a werewolf? Or will my eyes turn red? Or could I be some hybrid cross?

I’ve heard of interspecies couples from all the reading, and TV I’ve watched, but most people try to stick to their own kind.

Then again, my mother was a witch, and I was so certain my father was a human, but now I’m starting to second guess that too. I know nothing about him. If I was some kind of hybrid cross, would that mean by father was part of this supernatural world too?

I had so many questions and not enough answers.

When I got out of the shower and wrapped a towel around my body, I peeked at the mirror and stared into my light gray eyes with a timid frown.

After a minute, I sighed and shook my head at the thought. I was being ridiculous. What was I thinking was going to happen? Even if my eyes did change colors, why did I think it was going to be right this moment?

I wanted to laugh at myself, but I was too exhausted, and I just wanted to get to bed.

I realized I forgot to grab my nightgown before coming into the bathroom, so I went into the living room with my towel still wrapped around my body and went over to our small kitchen. I grabbed a water bottle from the mini fridge before retreating to my room.

As soon as I was in the closed compacity of my room, I grabbed the Plan B from my pant pocket and opened the package. After I placed the small pill onto my tongue, I took a long sip of the water and then quickly dressed in my nightgown.

Sighing, I grabbed my cellphone to check if I had any messages and I smiled when I saw Xaden’s name on the screen. I opened the text to read it.

Xaden: I forgot to mention there’s a dorm party tonight. I wasn’t going to attend, so I didn’t think to tell you. I don’t live in the dorms, but if you want to attend, I can come back. Up to you.

I smiled at the text and started to type my own message.

Me: You exhausted me for the day. I think I’m just going to bed. But I promised Penny I’d go to the next one.

I paused and then added a wink emoji before pressing send.

My phone dinged a second later.

Xaden: Next one it is. Sweet dreams, little mate.

My smile widened and I couldn’t help but chuckle as I put my phone on the charger and placed it on my nightstand. I walked over to my dresser where my hairbrush sat and grabbed it, but not before noticing my reflection and my entire body freezing at the sight.

My eyes were glowing a vibrant shade of purple.

“What the—” I began to ask myself as I blinked a few times.

I squeezed my eyes shut tight, not believing what I was seeing.

When I reopened my eyes, my normal light greys stared back at me, layered with confusion.