Chapter 25 — Just when I thought I was happy…

Amara:

For the next couple of days, Kell slips into my room and holds me close while I sleep. I’ve never felt so safe and warm in my life. Mathias called us the day after our talk and told me that he found someone who can help me with my newfound gifts. Kell and I are going to meet her Saturday night.

Everything seems to be going great between Kell and me. I just hope that the person Mathias spoke to can help me control my powers. Unfortunately, our relationship hasn’t gone past touching, kissing, and sleeping. There just isn’t a good time for us. Not with all the drama of my visions. Poor Kell is running ragged as he rushes back home every morning to change clothing, then comes back to give me a ride to school.

This morning, as I rush out of my house and slip into his car, he pulls me close and whispers. “Hey, beauty queen.”

Unable to contain my excitement, I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him hello. I’m getting used to riding in his car every morning. It’s nice to hold his hand and listen to his beautiful voice when he sings some old-school rock for me. I especially love it when he sings Journey. His husky voice resounds sexily as he takes my hand and sings soulfully. “Oh, girl, won’t you stand by me. I’m forever. Yours…faithfully.”

I lick my lips, mesmerized by his heated song. Who knew my boyfriend had such a sexy singing voice? He says he will only sing for me, though. Which is fine by me.

School has gotten better for him too. Kell’s grades have gone up, and the team has been winning games like crazy because of him. Principal Moody is as happy as a clam. We both filled out our college applications and are scheduled to take our SATs soon.

I should have known that there’s such a thing as being too happy. It’s like the universe is waiting for someone to be happy to shit on them.

It’s Wednesday morning, and we were both walking slowly towards our first class. Lately, it has been difficult to let him go. Even if it’s to class. Kell says it’s because our bond is growing stronger. I wish he would make it sound a little more romantic. This morning he gave me a sweet longing look, kissed me hard, then headed to his class. My first class of the day is calculus, which is the most boring one.

In his defense, Mr. Franklin tries to keep our attention, but I guess it’s just too early for math. I would definitely like to meet the genius that decided calculus would be a good class to take early in the morning. Juliet meets me in class, looking a little harried. I run my gaze over her tousled hair and wrinkled clothes in shock. “What happened to you?” I mutter as I pat her hair down and hand her my makeup bag.

She blows out a stray strand from her face and lays her backpack down with a plop.

“You wouldn’t believe what kind of morning I’ve had.” She says as she opens the makeup bag and tries to fix her hair.

I raise an eyebrow, urging her to proceed. “Well…” She says. “That little shit that I was babysitting, Rory, must have turned off my phone alarm last night, and I woke up late. Then, as I was heading here, one of my tires bursts. So I’m like, holy crap, what do I do? I know that my mom will kill me if I leave my car in the middle of the road. I called Triple-A, but they said that it would take an hour. So, stupid me, I tried to be Wonder Woman and change the tire myself. Anyway, that didn’t work, and of course, I’m a mess by then. I have dirt and grease under my nails from trying to change the tire, and my hair has slipped out of its sideways French braid…”

She gestures to her hair as she coils her hair up into a bun and wipes her hands over her cute blue baby doll dress. “Of course, that’s when he’d show up!” She says with a scowl.

I frown at her comment and wave my hand in question. “Who showed up?”

She stops fixing her hair and gives me a “duh” look. “Rowan Cross, that’s who.” She hisses out through her teeth. “He’s in this really cool Mustang or something, and I’m in the middle of the road with messy hair, no makeup, and my dress is wrinkled. To add insult to injury, the jerk comes out of his car, looking like a freaking movie star with his fitted blue jeans, tight black shirt, and Ray-bans. Then, he asked me if I need help.”

She slumps back in her seat, looking defeated. “I blew it. I totally started stuttering and looked like a complete idiot. He didn’t even know who I was. He called me Justine, changed my tire, and left. I’m so mortified.” She howls as she crosses her arms over the table and lays her forehead over them in defeat.

Brow furrowed with pity, I lay my hand over her shoulder and pat her gently, even though inside I’m dying of laughter. Leave it to Juliet to be so overdramatic. “There, there, it’s okay, Jules. I’m sure he was probably in a hurry. He probably didn’t even realize that he got your name wrong.”

She gives me a hopeful look, her eyes sparkling with renewed vigor. Giving her an encouraging smile, I lean back on my seat and nod enthusiastically. “Yeah…I mean, he seemed interested in you when we met up the other day. I think he was just playing it cool.”

My words must put her at ease because she straightens out in her seat and leans back in her chair, looking more confident. “You’re right. He did seem to be in a hurry. Maybe he didn’t notice who I was. I mean, my hair was a mess.”

I take a deep breath in relief. Crisis averted. However, I have to reevaluate Juliet’s feelings toward Rowan. I remember last year she used to have a crush on him. She would sigh whenever he walked down the hall and talk about his great hair and smile. She never admitted out loud that she liked him, though, which was one of those situations where it was obvious to everyone but her. Unfortunately, Rowan never really noticed her. Even at the get together in Azazel’s house, he seemed to maintain his distance from her. It was odd. He was more welcoming to everyone else, with the exception of Juliet. At the time, I didn’t really speculate too much on it because of what was going on with Nevaeh and me, but he never really spoke to Juliet directly. In fact, he sat as far away from her as he could. Interesting.

Just then, the first bell rings and in walks Tiffany and her crew. Tiffany has been extra catty since she found out that Kell and I are dating. It’s seriously annoying. She sneers as she passes by my desk and takes her own seat. Unfortunately, she sits a seat behind the person beside me, so I have no choice but to see her from the corner of my eye. Her friends all sit or stand around her and begin to whisper quietly. Juliet narrows her eyes when they land on Tiffany, then looks at me. “God, I just can’t stand her. Every time I see her, I want to rip those fake blonde extensions from her big, fat head.”

I shake my head and look down at my phone. Kell sent me a text emoji of two kids kissing with hearts over their heads. It’s so cute. I read the text. I wish we were doing this instead of sitting in some boring class. I laugh to myself and respond. I wish that too.

I show Juliet the text. “Awe, that’s so cute. You guys are so cute together. I want a boyfriend.” She says with a mopey pout. I snort at her comment and place my cell phone back on my desk.

“Come on, Jules, you can have any guy you want. You just have to say yes.”

She loses her pout and looks down at her desk contemplatively. “I guess I’m waiting for the right guy. I mean, you had the same options, and you never dated any guy here until now.”

I nod my head in understanding. “You’re right. You should wait for the right guy.”

Her smile widens as she leans closer and gives me a conspiratorial smile. “So, is Kell the right guy?” She says with a wink.

I nod my head. “Yeah, I think he is.”

She giggles and claps her hands loudly, startling several students from their reverie.

Tiffany clucks her tongue and snickers out, “What are you two talking about? Is it Amara’s new boyfriend, Kell?”

Juliet doesn’t answer, giving her a hard look. I simply shrug my shoulders and pretend nonchalance. “Nothing, really.”

Her face crinkles with disgust. “Really? Well, then it must be about ways to keep him from getting bored with you. The poor guy must be tired of you by now.”

Juliet rises for the bait. “Oh please, Tiffany, sour grapes much? It must kill you that Kell chose Amara over you. The guy is crazy about her. See.” She says, holding up my phone to show her my text.

I try to pull the phone away, but Tiffany looks at the text. “Oh, how cute.” She utters with a jeer. “You two only kiss. It shouldn’t take long for him to get sick of you then. I mean, he’s a hot guy who probably wants more than kissing. I suggest you give it up before he gets bored and finds someone else. However, I’d find some way to practice first. I remember Jason said that sex with you was like having sex with a frigid doll.”

Anger coursed through my body at her words.

But I don’t let her get to me. Instead, I give her a sweet smile and say, “Thanks, Tiffany, I appreciate your suggestion. I guess if I ever need advice on how to be a whore, I can talk to you.”

Juliet makes a sizzling sound and whispers loudly, “Ooh, Burn!” Then, she leans close to Tiffany and asks, “So, Tiffany, if having sex with a guy makes him stay, why is it that you’re not dating half the guys on the football team? Or the soccer team? Or the lacrosse and basketball team?”

Tiffany’s eyes look murderous, but Juliet continues. “Huh? I guess sex with you does the opposite of what you said. Interesting.”

I can literally see smoke coming out of Tiffany’s ears.

Fortunately, Mr. Franklin walks in, and all talking halts. “Good morning, everyone. I hope we’re ready to learn today.”

He walks up to a couple of desks and points to the cell phone. “Please turn off your devices, put them away, and take out your math homework.”

A few kids groan and put their phones away. Reaching behind me, I place my phone in the side pocket then turn back to my desk. Unfortunately, math class is as boring as usual. I yawn several times and lean my elbow on the desk as I scribble some notes. About halfway through the period, I notice that most of the class is comatose. I feel so bad for Mr. Franklin.

Mr. Franklin’s lecture is interrupted when Tiffany raises her hand. He gives her a withering glare and says, “Yes, Tiffany.”

She gives him a cheerful smile and asks, “I’m sorry for interrupting your riveting speech, Mr. Franklin, but I really have to go to the ladies’ room. It’s women's problems if you know what I mean.” She ends with a wink.

Mr. Franklin’s face turns red at her suggestion. Mr. Franklin is a sweet guy in his forties. He’s pretty average looking with sandy hair and a goatee mustache. Unlike other teachers, he’s pretty trendy with his blue jeans, plaid shirt, brown penny loafers, and a camel-colored corduroy jacket. However, he’s still a bit awkward when it comes to girls. He waves at the door and stutters out. “Go…go ahead, Tiffany.”

Tiffany rises from her chair with a smug grin and heads out of the exit. Juliet rolls her eyes with a huff as soon as she steps out the door.

Tiffany shows up right before the end of class, looking suspiciously tousled. Juliet pats me on the elbow and gives me a suspicious look as she whispers. “What the heck is up with Tiffany?”

I shrug my shoulders as I put away my books. “Who knows?”

Juliet and I rush out of class and make our way to gym class. Haley meets us near the door with a happy smile. “Hey girls, Mrs. Schwartz said we have swim class today, so make sure you cover your hair.”

Juliet and I groan painfully. We hate swim classes. It’s just so degrading to wear those ugly swimsuits, and the smell of chlorine is unbearable.

Scowling, we step into the locker room and make our way to our lockers. Juliet opens her locker and reaches for her suit. “Uh, I hate these suits. They make my boobs look so flat.”

Haley and I take out our own suits and inspect them. They are just plain black swimsuits. Definitely not flattering to the figure.

We’re about to change into our suits when a couple of girls walk in, giggling and smirking. Most pass by me and give me a pitying smile, while others stand around and gaze at me with a knowing sneer.

I look at Haley and Juliet, who shrug their shoulders in bafflement. “What’s going on?”

Juliet turns to one of the girls, who gave me a sad look and asks, “Hey Clara, what’s up?”

Clara Danby is a nice girl. She has short, curly brown hair and very deep green eyes. She gazes around the locker, then reaches into her bag and rifles through her phone, handing it to Juliet. “One of the girls in my class just texted me this last period.” She looks at me and whispers mournfully. “I’m sorry, Amara. All men are pigs.”

Juliet looks at the phone's screen, then looks back up at me. “Holy shit Amara this is bad.” I look at the phone apprehensively before I reach for it. It takes a moment for me to comprehend what I’m seeing.

The video shows Tiffany waiting in a closet, then a moment later, Kell walks in and whispers, “Where are you, babe?”

Tiffany throws her arms around him and kisses him hard. My heart stops as I watch my boyfriend making out with Tiffany. The video shuts off, but it’s enough proof to make my heart break into pieces. My face heats up, and the world begins to tilt. Haley and Juliet reach for me to help me sit on a nearby bench. I close my eyes and take a few deep breaths feeling a tear slip down my cheek. I can see that the girls’ lips moving, but I can’t hear what they’re saying from the ringing in my ears.

Why would Kell do this to me? Juliet’s voice finally penetrates my ears. “…Amara, Amara, it’ll be okay.”

Haley wraps her arms around me and whispers, “This can’t be right. Kell cares about you too much to do this. There has to be another explanation.”

I shake my head and wipe my tears from my cheeks. “What explanation, Haley? It was recorded. He was kissing Tiffany. I feel so stupid.”

Juliet rises from the bench and yells out in a threatening voice to my gawking spectators. “How about you get to class before I mess someone up.”

The girls must have believed her threats because they quickly scurried out of the room. Clara takes her phone back, pats my shoulder, and follows behind them while I remain sitting there trying to catch my breath while Juliet stands next to me and pulls me into her arms. “It’s okay, Amara; you’ll get through this.” She turns to Haley and says, “How about you tell Mrs. S that Amara’s not feeling well right now and that I’m going to take her to the nurse.” Haley reluctantly releases me and steps out of the room.

Juliet pulls away from me and gestures to the exit. “Come on, girl. Let’s get out of here.”

Feeling shaken, I rise from my perch and make my way out of the locker room. Juliet holds me close as if scared that I might faint. Which I don’t blame her for doing. I feel like I’m drowning in the middle of the ocean.

We’re halfway down the hall when we run into none other than Kell Cross. I tighten my lips and stiffen my spine. My chin trembles, but I swallow down my tears. He looks lost as he raises his arms in supplication. “Listen, beauty queen, we need to talk.”

I shake my head and pull away from his reach. Juliet, however, does not back down. That’s what I love about Juliet; she’s a fierce friend until the end.

“I don’t think that Amara wants to ever talk to you, Kell. So why don’t you get the hell out of our way.”

Kell refuses to budge and widens his stance. “It’s not what you think, Amara. I was set up.”

His words ignite my anger. “Really, Kell? That’s your excuse. You were set up. You are such an asshole!”

I step forward and slam my palms over his chest, pushing him back. “How could you do this to me? After all that bull about being meant to be.” He reaches for my hands and holds me still. “No, I swear, Amara. Everything I said is true. We are meant to be together. Please let me explain.”

Unable to bear his lies any longer, I break away from his hold, turn around and run down the hallway. Juliet calls out to me, followed by a silent scuffle, but I don’t look back. Instead, I run out of the school and gaze around, confused.

That’s when I see Taylor. He’s standing outside, taking pictures of the Angel statue with his cell phone. He quirks his brow at the sight of me running towards him.

“Taylor!” I say hurriedly. He gives me a concerned look and places his hands on my shoulders. “Amara, what’s wrong?” I gesture to the lot. “Can you please give me a ride home… please, now?”

He nods his head and gestures to his motorbike, which is sitting near the statue. “Sure.”

I look back to see Kell calling out my name. Thankfully, Juliet follows behind him and pulls him back, creating enough of a distraction for me to leave. Jump on the bike behind Taylor, I hastily point to the road. “Please go!”

Without a word, Taylor starts the bike and takes off. Kell runs towards us from a distance, but Taylor accelerates out of the lot before he can catch up.

We’re a few miles out when Taylor slows down and asks. “What’s going on, Amara?”

I shake my head and hide my face behind his back. “I’ll explain when we get to my house.”

The ride to my house doesn’t take long. Thankfully, no one is home. My parents are out of town for one of my dad’s conferences again. Taylor gets off the bike and follows me inside the house.

“Are you going to tell me now?” I close the door behind him and gesture for him to follow me to the kitchen. He’s about to follow behind me when his phone chirps. He looks down at his phone for a moment, then looks up at me with a grim look. “Shit Amara, I’m so sorry.”

I look at his phone. “Someone sent you the video?”

He nods his head and puts the phone back in his pocket. Paralyzed, I stand there, gazing into his eyes. I am completely humiliated. Someone must have sent the video to everyone in the school. How can I ever show my face again? Taylor must see the agony in my defeated expression because he steps closer, wraps his arms around me, and whispers. “It’s okay, Amara. He doesn’t deserve someone as beautiful and wonderful as you.”

I let the tears fall from my face and cling to him. “What do I do, Taylor?”

At first, he doesn’t say anything, but after a moment, he clears his throat, and to my surprise, says, “Maybe you should consider someone else.”

I frown in question and pull away. “What do you mean?”

He shrugs awkwardly as he places his hands inside his pockets. “I mean…I like you, Amara. I think you’re beautiful, and I would make you happy if you let me.”

I take several deep breaths as I try to come up with a nice way to let him down. “I…I’m sorry, Taylor. I didn’t know you felt that way. You’re a really nice guy, but I don’t think I’m ready to jump into a relationship minutes after I find out that my boyfriend is cheating on me.”

Taylor looks down at his blue all-stars with chagrin. He looks like a little boy who is scared of being rejected, with his shoulders slumped and feet shuffling on the ground. “I know, Amara. I just thought you should know that there are guys who’d kill to be with you.”

I give him a wan smile and try to maintain a calm demeanor. “I understand, Tay, I just…I need to think.”

I don’t know how long we both stand there. But eventually, we change the subject. He looks around the kitchen then back at me. “What do you want to do? Do you want me to leave?”

I’m at a loss. I definitely cannot go back to school. I don’t think I can handle the humiliation. And Taylor was so cool about giving me a ride; so, I can’t kick him out. Making a decision, I gesture to the living room couch and say. “How about we just sit.”

Taylor nods his head, “Sure.” He says with a shrug.

That’s when I realize my mistake. “Oh shit, Taylor. You probably have class right now, and I made you miss it. I’m such an idiot.”

Guilt washes over me. But Taylor simply shrugs and takes out his phone. “Nah, it’s okay. I’m doing well in class, and I was planning on ditching anyway. How about we order a pizza and watch some TV. That’s what I planned to do anyway.”

I can see the sincerity in his face. He’s such a nice guy. Nodding my head, I sit down and let him make the call.

For the next couple of hours, we watch TV. However, my thoughts remain on Kell and his betrayal. Taylor is super supportive and tries to distract me when thoughts of Kell overwhelm me.

It’s a little after one when the doorbell rings. Taylor and I gaze at each other, then at the door. Dread settles in my stomach at the thought of who it might be. The doorbell rings again, followed by a loud knock. Taylor moves protectively in front of me and walks toward the door to peek through the peephole.

Another loud knock resounds, startling Taylor back. He turns to me and whispers dejectedly. “It’s, Kell. What do you want to do?”

I look at the door as Kell’s voice penetrates the silence. “Amara, please open the door. I just want to explain. Please, beauty queen. I know you’re pissed, but what you saw was not what you think. Just open the door and let me prove it.”

I look at Taylor, who simply shrugs his shoulders. “It’s up to you, Amara.”

Kell knocks again and mutters, “I’m not leaving until you hear me out, Amara.”

Taking a deep breath, I step around Taylor and place my hand on the handle of the door. I hesitate for a moment, trying to find some semblance of composure, then open the door. Kell is standing there with his hair in wild disarray. His chest is heaving, and his face looks grim. Tears threaten to fall, but I swallow them down.

“Beauty queen.” He whispers gently as he reaches his hand out to me. I step back and cross my arms in front of my chest like a shield. Kell sighs in defeat and lowers his hand to his pocket. “Look, Amara, I know you’re pissed at me, but I swear that was a total set up.”

I tighten my lips and look into his eyes. “Why should I believe you, Kell?”

He shuffles his feet and looks behind me, encountering Taylor. His face darkens with anger, but he keeps his cool. “Can you give us some privacy, please?” He grits out through his teeth.

Taylor looks at me for permission then turns towards the kitchen. “Sure.” He whispers. “I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.”

Kell and I watch as Taylor steps out of the room.

After a moment, Kell takes a deep breath and says, “Do you have your cell phone?”

I frown in consternation and hold my hands out in question. “I don’t know what that has to do with anything.”

He widens his stance and runs his palms against his chin agitatedly. “It has everything to do with this because I received a text from you earlier. In the text, you asked me to meet you in the Library’s book closet half-way through first period.”

I look at him with disbelief. “What?”

He nods his head and takes out his own phone, extending it to me. I reach for his phone and look at the message. It’s a message from my cell phone asking him to meet me at the library’s book closet. Perturbed by this, I turn around, walk to the stairs and search for my bag. My cell phone is supposed to be in the side pocket of my bag. But instead of being in the side pocket, it’s in the middle pocket in the front of the bag.

Frowning in consternation, I take out the phone and look through it. All my texts from Kell are erased. Even the one he had sent me about missing me. I know that I never erased his messages. That’s when it hits me; Tiffany stepped out of the room halfway through class. She must have taken my phone.

I look back at Kell. “I didn’t text you.”

He nods his head. “I figured that out when I stepped into the library closet. I expected to find you in that closet, and suddenly, Tiffany is in my arms. If you had seen the rest of the video, you would have seen me push her away from me. You would have seen us arguing over the fact that I would never be with her because I am in love with you, and…” He stops talking and clenches his fists, frustrated. I had never seen him look so angry. My anger melts away as his words penetrate my thoughts.

However, he’s too angry and frustrated to notice. He paces around the room, then turns to me and runs his fingers through his hair. “I told her that you were it for me and to never come between us again. I was going to tell you what happened in the library before she sent you the video. I couldn’t believe she would go so far.”

He ends quietly. I move closer to see a tick in his jaw and place my hand over it.

“Really? You told her that?”

He nods his head as he hesitantly places his hands around my waist and lays my head under his chin. He takes a deep breath as if enjoying my scent and kisses my forehead with a gentle whisper. “I told you that you’re my mate. They’re not just words, beauty queen. You’re my mate… my world. Being mated is a strong bond. Even stronger than marriage. No other woman would ever make me feel the way you do.”

I pull back, look into his earnest blue eyes, and sigh with regret. “I feel so stupid. Tiffany played me, and I fell for it.”

He shakes his head and places his hands under my jaw. “No, babe, I understand why you’d be mad. But I swear I pulled away as soon as I knew it wasn’t you. That’s why the video is so short.”

I think about the video for a moment. All I really saw was a video of Tiffany jumping into his arms and kissing him. The video ended pretty abruptly after that.

His eyes plead with me to believe him, and I do. I can tell that he's sincere, so I stand on my toes, kiss him gently, and whisper. “I’m sorry that I jumped to conclusions. It’s just that I love you so much.”

His eyes light up, and his smile widens with glee. Emboldened, he lifts me into his arms and twirls me around the room excitedly. Laughing with contentment, I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him until we’re both breathless.

Just then, someone clears their throat. We both break apart and look at a sheepish Taylor. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but it looks like everything is okay, and I need to go back to school.”

I nod my head. “Thanks, Taylor. I’m sorry for dragging you into my mess.”

He shrugs his shoulder. “It’s okay, Amara.” Then he looks at Kell and says, “Tiffany’s a bitch, man.”

Kell nods his head and holds out his hand to Taylor. “Thanks, man.” Taylor shakes his hand and gives me one last longing look before he steps out of the door.

Once he’s gone, Kell takes my hands and pulls me close. “He likes you, you know?”

I don’t know what to say about it. So, I just shrug my shoulders and say, “It doesn’t matter because I’m yours, and only yours.”

Kell simply quirks his eyebrow and shrugs. “And I’m yours, beauty queen.”

I roll my eyes and gesture to the door. “I can’t believe I skipped class. I’m going to get into so much trouble.”

He shakes his head. “It’s fine. Juliet is covering for you.” His words give me pause.

“Really? How did you swing that? Juliet was pissed when I ran out.” He tilts his head and gives me a charming smile. “Why do you think it took me so long to get here? After you ran out, I explained what happened. Juliet is pretty reasonable and only realized that it was a setup after I showed her Tiffany's text. So, we did a little sleuthing, and with some help, figured a few things out. As soon as we were done, she told me to go and explain everything and that she’d cover for you.” He picks up my bag and puts it over his shoulder, holding his other hand out to me. “Let’s go.” I take his hand and follow behind him.

It takes me a few minutes to work up the courage to walk back into the school. Kell gives me a regretful look. “I’m sorry that I put you in this position, beauty queen. I promise you, Tiffany will not get away with what she did.”

I tighten my hand around him as we walk into the school’s entrance. Everyone is in the hallway preparing for their next period, which makes things worse. A few people stare at us, but no one makes a comment. Juliet finds us a moment later. She walks up to us with a smug smile. “Hey, you found her, good.” Kell and I give her a questioning look. She simply raises her phone and shows us another video. I have to resist the cringe that rises inside me at the thought of seeing another video.

It’s the same video, except that this time, it doesn’t end abruptly. The video shows Tiffany throwing herself in Kell’s arms and kissing him. Then it shows Kell pushing her away and telling her off. It’s exactly what Kell said he did.

We both gaze at Juliet in astonishment. “How did you get this?” She smiles. “Tiffany’s bag. She’s so stupid. She left the video on her phone. Haley and I confronted her, and while she was distracted, I took her phone and emailed a copy to mine. You should have seen the look on her face. The bitch actually thought she was going to get away with it. I sent the video around to everyone. I hope you guys don’t mind. I figure we needed to set the record straight. Now everyone knows what a bitch Tiffany is and that Kell is completely and utterly in love with you. You’re welcome.” She says proudly.

I roll my eyes at her dramatics and gasp in shock when Kell takes Juliet in his arms, hugs her tight, and says gratefully, “Thanks, Juliet. You’re the best friend anyone has ever had.”

Juliet pats his back and pulls away awkwardly. It’s almost funny how she shuffles her feet and sputters out. “Well, if you’re feeling grateful…I can take Rowan as a thank you.”

Kell raises his eyebrows in amusement, then throws his head back and laughs boisterously.

Juliet punches his shoulder and says, “I’m just joking.” Which I know she’s not. Kell simply puts his arm around my shoulder and Juliet’s, then whispers as he ushers us to our next class. “Well, if you weren’t kidding, I guess I can find out if Rowan is looking to settle down.”

Juliet blushes to her roots and snorts saucily. “Well, if he is looking, you can casually mention to him that I’m available—that’s only if he’s looking, though.” She says nonchalantly.

Kell chuckles and rubs her head affectionately before he says, “I’ll see what I can do.”

The rest of the day isn’t as eventful. Thankfully, Juliet was able to get me a nurse’s pass, so I wasn’t penalized for missing most of my classes. Tiffany, however, was quickly ostracized by everyone. Even her friends wouldn’t be near her. She wouldn’t even look me in the eye when she saw me in the hallway. Haley told me that she saw her at the nurse’s office complaining of a stomach ache. People began to whisper about Kell and me. Some girls even stopped me and told me that I was a lucky girl. It was all very bizarre how everyone quickly made an about-face in regards to Kell and me. I guess I’ll just never understand high school politics.

That night Kell and I were lying in my bed. At first, the kisses were light and innocent. Our tongues would dance and retreat, and our bodies would entwine. I raise my hand and slide my fingers across his jaw, then take his other hand and lead him to the bed. He follows behind me as if hypnotized.

Stopping in front of the bed, I turn to him, slide my hands down his shirt and lift it over his stomach.

“Take it off,” I whisper as I lay kisses on his chin and neck. Eyes alight with passion, Kell reaches behind his neck, removes his shirt, and tosses it onto the floor.

I nearly swallow my tongue when every part of his chest is revealed. He’s just so intoxicating with his in-your-face sensuality. Extending my arm around his neck, I kiss his muscled chest and run my hands over his six-pack abs. His body is hard, firm, and golden. I just want to touch and kiss him forever. He groans, closing his eyes and lets me have my way with him. Of course, I’m sure he’s happy that I’m so enthralled by him. It’s not just his beauty, though. It’s definitely more. I know that deep inside, he always has and will always be mine. There’s no doubt in my mind that we belong together. His skin warms and fills with goosebumps everywhere I touch, and his stomach tightens when I lay my hand against his stomach.

After a moment, I rise to my toes and whisper in his ear. “You promised to warm me.”

Kell gives me a sensual smile, licks his lips, and rubs his nose against mine. “As my lady wishes. But first…” He says as he places his hands on the button of my jeans and beings unbuttoning them. “…we have to take these off.”

Heart pounding wildly in my chest, I step back and lower the jeans down my legs until they're lying on the floor. The cool air touches my thighs, making me shiver. Kell’s eyes follow my movements as I slowly remove my underwear. A groan escapes his lips as he lifts me by my waist, presses me tightly against his chest, and carries me to the bed. Wrapping my arms and legs around him, I lie back on the bed.

Kell settles his body over mine, making me aware that the only thing separating our bare bodies is his shirt and denim jeans. Wanting more contact, I rub my leg up and down his jean covered thigh and squirm until I’m creating pleasurable friction between my thighs.

I’m sure he can feel the heat between my legs. My core pulsates with need as I strain my hips, and my body throbs. Kell growls in pleasure and settles my thigh across his and his mouth over mine. We kiss passionately, letting our tongues dance with delicious abandon. His hips grind against my center, which makes me feel empty inside. I almost fall out of the bed when his hand settles over my cloth-covered nipples. Mewling in delight, shift my hips and arch my back. Kell pinches and rolls my bud between his thumb and index finger as he savors the feel of my firm mounds.

Feeling bold, I move my hand down and settle it over his swollen shaft. He gasps in my mouth and bites my lower lip gently. My body gleams with sweat as a build-up of pleasure overtakes us both. I move my hands to his back and course my sharp nails across his bare skin. His muscles strain beneath his skin, stretching it taut. As if asking for attention, his wings unfurl from behind his back and flutter.

They are so beautiful and sexy. However, I don’t dwell on his wings for long.

Pulling back, Kell raises my shirt above my chest and tosses it to the floor. My nipples bead beneath my bra. I reach behind me, unclip it and take it off too. Kell focuses his hungry gaze over my now bare breasts and leans down to suckle my nipple. I arch my back as pleasurable electric shocks ignite in my breasts, and glide down my stomach until they reach my womb. Holding his head closer to my naked breast, I close my eyes and rejoice in his sucking mouth.

“Kell.” I groan out passionately.

Humming with desire, Kell suck my other breast and licks the nipple until it’s almost unbearably hard. His hair feels so silky beneath my fingers. I want to pull him closer to my chest and lay my body out for his sweet torture.

I arch back, riding his rigid shaft harder as my ecstasy heightens. I wish we could take off the rest of our clothes and make love, but knowing that we haven’t been together for very long cools some of my ardor. I know that Kell is different, but I can’t help but think of the disaster between Jason and me.

Kell’s hand moves from my bare breasts down to my cloth-covered folds and runs his thumb firmly around my center. I cry out, feeling the rush of my pleasure near its peak. His finger moves up and slips into the waistband of my panties, sliding down to my folds. I lose my breath at the sensation of his fingers touching me. His thumb swirls, igniting a delicious fire that erupts into waves of bliss. I shudder as my climax crests inside my body. A cry escapes my lips and into his mouth. He softens his touch.h but does not remove his fingers until my body seizes shuddering. Once he’s done, he removes his hand from me and rises from the bed. I can see his breath heaving as he tries to calm the need rolling inside of his body.

I lay there languidly watching the movement of his sweaty, heaving back. Once my body has wrung itself from our pleasurable encounter, I rise from the bed, slip on my robe, and wrap my arms around his waist. Kell takes a deep breath and places his hands over. He looks so rugged and sexy with his hair in disarray, five o’clock shadow, and sex glazed eyes. I rub against him like a contented cat and lay a kiss on his shoulder. I know that it’s unfair to do this to him, but I can’t help it. I still want him.

“I’m sorry,” I lay my forehead on his back. He’s so tall that I barely reach his shoulders. He opens my arms and turns to face me.

“Why are you, sorry?” He kisses the tip of my nose and settles my arms back around him. I shrug. “Because you’re frustrated.”

His chest shakes with laughter as he holds me tighter.

I gaze back at him with a scowl, but he kisses the top of my head. “Listen, beauty queen. I stopped because I don’t want our first time together to happen when someone can walk in at any moment. Plus, I don’t want you to think that I’m only with you because I want to have sex with you. You’re my mate, and I want you to know that you matter to me.”

His words make my heart soar. I stand up on my toes and wrap my arms around his neck, laying a few kisses over his luscious lips. “Are you happy that I’m your mate, Kell?”

He pushes me back to my feet with a reproachful scowl. “What do you mean?”

I swallow hard and rub my hand up his bare chest to play with his chain. “Well…I mean… usually guys like their freedom...”

He shakes his head in bemusement. “I told you, beauty queen. Having a mate would mean you’re mine and only mine.” He wraps his hand around mine and tightens my fist around his chain with a steady look. “It’s not like that for me, Amara. I’m not like a human male. Having a mate is the greatest thing that can happen to us because it’s so rare. Males rarely find their mates. And if they do, it’s usually after many years. Mathias met Cassia a few months ago, and he’s the oldest angel that I know. Alex has never found his mate, and he’s a few hundred years old. Having a mate is a gift, and I’m glad that I found you.”

I gaze into his honest eyes. “What if I hadn’t been your mate?”

He swallows deeply before he answers, “I’m not going to pretend that I wasn’t worried at the possibility. Not because I didn’t want you to be, but because it would kill me if you weren’t. I’ve had feelings for you ever since the day I first saw you. At first, I stayed away because I was scared that you weren’t my mate. But even then, I couldn’t stay away from you. Does that answer your question?”

I nod my head and kiss him hard. “Yes, it does.”

He smiles and lifts me into his arms. “Okay then, now can we lay down on your bed so I can kiss you some more.” I smile at his roguish grin and nod my head happily. All is well.