ARAMINTA’s POV

My heart pounded as we surged forward, a pack of snapping beasts fighting for dominance. The world narrowed to the finish line and I became one with Noah’s car, my movement fluid and synchronized. The crowd held its breath as we hurdled around the track, my hands tightened around the wheel as I pushed the car to its limits. And then, in a flash of speed, it was over. We crossed the finish line and the flag waved wildly above us. I let out a loud sigh of triumph, pumping my fists in the air as the crowd erupted with excitement. 

For a moment, I forgot about the uncertainty and pressure, all that mattered was the victory. A sense of pride washed over me and my lips curled into a broad smile. 

“Ara!!!!!” 

Before I knew it, Chris put me in his arms and hugged me tightly. His shoulders were trembling, and I could tell he was emotional. 

“I knew you could do it……I trusted you, and you didn't fail me” he muttered to my ears and I could not help but tear up and, patted his back gently. 

I pulled away from him, “I really—didn't do much”, he growled and shook his head. “No! You did so well.” 

He was about to drag me to his teammates when I felt the hair on my neck stand up and a cold chill ran down my spine. My heart raced and feared for Chris, the thought of Noah doing something bad to him made me shudder in fear. I quickly put on a nervous smile and stopped Chris, 

“How about you go—” 

He twitched his mouth and rolled his eyes, “No, don't be shy.”

I pressed my lips into a thin line, I could feel Noah’s presence, and he was much closer now. “Chris, I will come look for you, okay?” 

He squinted his eyebrows, and luckily he didn't stress it, and he just caressed my hands before he left me to celebrate with others. I heaved a sigh of relief when I heard his voice, it was fucking cold and dangerous. 

“You must really care about him.” 

I refused to turn my head, I was still angry at him, and we were not in a position to speak to each other. I rolled my eyes and crossed my hands, 

Noah walked up to me and lowered his lips to my neck, his hot breath making me slightly nervous. 

“Say something”, he growled, and his anger was making the tension in the air strong. I honestly didn't know why he would always get so possessive when he was doing the same thing with Isabella. 

I opened my mouth to respond, “I care about him because he is my friend. Why are you here—-” 

Before I could finish my sentence, Noah held my hand tightly and dragged me away from the stadium. I had angered him so many times, but this was the first time I had seen the beast in him. He kept on cursing under his breath and no matter how much I begged him to release me to avoid curious stares, he just wouldn't listen. 

“Struggle one more time, and you won't see him anymore,” he said coldly, without glancing at me, and I gulped down in fear. I was more convinced he was the reason for Kai’s death because how could he say something like that so casually? Who knew he was going to show up at the stadium? 

I stammered as I kept getting dragged to the unknown, “Where are we—going?” 

He didn't respond nor did he stop, but after some seconds of walking, he finally stopped in front of a door and pushed me in before he locked it. It looked like he had been here before, and he knew all the nooks of the place. 

My hands slightly trembled as he stared at me, his eyes were dark and narrowed. His chest kept on rising up and down with fury and his fists were tightened. 

“You-!!!” 

“Ahhhh!” I screamed as he suddenly threw a punch at the wall. My heart pounded so hard as I stared at the damage, his hand was bleeding with so much blood, but he didn't look concerned, and before I knew it, he smashed his lips on mine roughly. His kiss was so rough and wild that my eyes glittered with unshed tears and I pushed him away. 

I shivered slightly as his face twisted with anger, his jaw was clenched as he pinned me against the wall. 

“You are testing me right now, aren't you” he said to me, his voice deep and dangerous. He took a step closer to me. “Trying to make me lose control?” his eyes fixed on my exposed neck. 

My hands were trembling, and I knew that I had pushed him to his limit, but he deserved it and as much as I hated his maniac attitude right now, I felt secretly satisfied that he was still jealous. 

He glared at me, his eyes filled with fierce, possessive jealousy. “He touches you again, and I will fucking lock you in my room forever.” 

He crashed his lips on mine again, but I wasn't responding, and he was fighting for me to part my lips, but I didn't succumb. He pulled away with frustration, his chest puffing with anger. 

“ Respond to my kiss” 

I almost rolled my eyes at the request. I wouldn't succumb to him just like that. Who did he think he was to crash a competition and act like a mad man when he clearly brought his side chick along with him? 

“I won’t” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. My hands were sweaty, and I hated that he had so much effect on me. 

He growled dangerously and whispered to me, his scent hitting my nose hard, “Last chance, Ara”.