Chapter 0089

Adrian's attention is relentless for the rest of the day. He meets me after every class, taking my bag without asking, walking me to my next destination. I'm hyper-aware of the stares we're drawing. Maybe the whole school has figured out he was my mystery savior. His public claim couldn't have been more obvious.

It's intoxicating how his focus narrows to only me when we're together. The arrogant Alpha persona vanishes completely. This version of Adrian is unexpected—all in, no reservations, making sure I feel it with every gesture.

"He's not fully committed yet, but he could be," Selene purrs, her voice dripping with suggestion.

"SELENE! We agreed to wait for our mate!"

"We did," she concedes, but her tone wavers. "But I like him. I like Theron too. The way they treat us... the respect..."

Her words stun me. She never wavered with Sebastian or Dorian, never entertained risks to our mate bond. This sudden interest in physical intimacy with Adrian and Theron is jarring.

"My decision stands. We're not jeopardizing our future mate by getting involved with Adrian. Not when our birthday is weeks away."

Selene sighs. "Fine. But admit it—he's exquisite. When we can shift again, I wonder if Theron would run with me."

"I'm sure he would. Question is, can you control yourself?"

"Possibly?" She laughs darkly.

I shove her aside and refocus on lunch. Donovan is laying thick charm on Genevieve, who isn't biting. We've always shared the same standards—no being anyone's conquest. Donovan's reputation with women is... extensive. If bedposts had notches, his would be whittled down to toothpicks by now. He's wasting his time with Genevieve.

When Adrian walks me to my car after school, I turn to thank him for today—but he's already closed the distance, short-circuiting my thoughts. I tilt my head back, meeting his gaze. His whisper against my ear sends electric shivers down my spine. His breath on my neck ignites a molten trail lower, and when his teeth graze my ear, it's lightning in my veins.

"It's just dinner," I manage, voice unsteady.

He presses his forehead to mine. "It's everything."

And just like that, a piece of my heart brands itself with his name. No future mate could ever reclaim it. The realization hits me like a truck—I'm falling for Adrian Grey. I stand frozen, watching him leave. He turns at his car, winks, and drives away.

Damn it. Selene and I are doomed. We're falling for our Alpha—the one we're sworn to protect, the one who might not even be our destined mate.