Conflicted - Twist Of Fate

Results.

The intellectual trial past quickly, the questions and evaluation easy as I walked out to find Aiden. As I look around the courtyard, I find myself blocked by an angry looking Leo. "Want to explain yourself?" he asks. His body is tense, how eyes glowing as he stares into my eyes. 'What do we do?' I beg Aurora, 'You've got this, school is over Armina, we aren't hiding anymore' I shake my head. 

I let her strength and confidence fill me. "I don't owe you anything" I state, attempting to walk around him. He moves blocking my way with a growl. "You spend high school hiding your abilities and yet think you owe no explanation? Aiden acts like he doesn't care about anything our entire lives and is now a beaming dad and again you think that is nothing?" his voice showing his frustration. "I've known you've been hiding for a long time Armina" his face coming closer to mine. "I'd just like to know one thing, why now?" frustration fills me.

'Be careful Armina, he is our future Alpha, don't push it too far' Aurora warns. I breathe. "I was done hiding Leo, so was Aiden" I state honestly. Leo's dark eyes look me up and down, all 6 foot 3 of him moving into my space as he breathes in my scent. "I don't know how I've pretended never noticed you" he says seductively. My body tenses. 

Leo is every girls dream. Dark hair, dark eyes, crooked smile, unbelievably handsome in every way. But he isn't my mate. My mate is the only male who can be this close to me. I step back. "I'm sorry if I embarrassed your sister, but this day is about our futures." I say evenly, avoiding his eyes. He chuckles and I can't help but notice how nice he sounds, "Screw Serena, she needed a reality check" he laughs again, "I'll be seeing you soon Armina" he smiles as he says my name and I try to pretend I don't enjoy the way it sounds on his lips. He turns to walk away, calling out "Really soon". 

I shake my head, 'He is not our mate Armina, we can't' I smile, 'I know but can't deny he is nice to look at' Aurora laughs too, 'Yeh I bet his wolf knows exactly how to please a lady too' I almost laugh out loud, 'You think I'm bad, take your mind out of the gutter' Aurora just purrs. I don't even realise how far I have walked until I feel arms lift me from the ground. The scent fills my nostrils as I smile. "I knew you'd kick ass but damn, they didn't even need a second fight from you" Aiden laughs. 

We get more stares but Aiden either doesn't notice, or as usual is an amazing actor. "Do you hold back with me too?" he asks suddenly, all joking gone. I freeze. I have never admitted this to him. Aiden is strong. Alpha strong. But yes. I have been since I got my wolf. Aurora could have easily taken him down from the moment she became active. I ignore his question, "I think I did really well in the second part, I'm thinking maybe going into medicine" I deflect. Aiden just laughs. 

"We have the first part of results ready" a voice booms over the speakers. Everyone stops. All senior students anxiously looking to the podium in the courtyard as Alpha Ethan stands proudly, his son Leo by his side. 

"As you all know, only the results for Elite Warriors, warriors & beta training are announced today, everyone else will receive their results and have discussions with our pack councilors over the next week" he states. I see the anxiety fill several faces around me. If your name is not mentioned today, your future could be very bleak. 

"To start, my son Leo will be taking over the role of Alpha in training" applause deafens across the courtyard as people cheer. Leo smiles at the crowd, proud as his dad shakes his hand. "My son Kade will go into training as a beta" he says next, which is met with equal applause. Several names are listed as warriors with 20 new warriors announced, an impressive number of our 50 senior class members.  

"As for Elite Warriors" he says as the applause slows. Everyone is silent as he looks at the crowd. "As you all know, it is rare to have more than one, with this year three being selected" everyone starts clapping as Serena takes to the stage, flicking her hair back with a sickening smile. "My daughter Serena" again everyone applauding as Aurora growls. "Isaac Kinly" Alpha continues as I roll my eyes. Isaac is a total tool and Serena's latest boy toy. Serena has no respect for the mate bond and has had several boyfriends, which she has no issue being all over in public. I had always assumed the alpha wouldn't approve but clearly, he doesn't mind.

 
I shake my head as I reach for Ethan's hand "Can we go now?" I ask, "What?" he asks suprised, "and finally a surprise to all of us, with record breaking results Armina Carter" I freeze as all eyes move to me. 

'You've got this' Aurora beams as I freeze. I can't do this. I don't even know if I want this. 'I can't move' I panic. I feel Aurora push and I let her. She moves our body as we walk to the stairs, slowly making our way up as we shake the Alphas hand. "I am very proud of you Armina, I knew Ethan cared" he smiles, winking. Serena is glaring at me as I start to move to the side. 

I feel an arm come over my shoulder and out of reflex go to shake it off "Calm down Armina, just trying to reassure you" Leo says, his voice calming my nerves as Aurora gives back control. Every one applauds again before the Alpha reminds everyone further results will be available soon and the crowd begins to disperse. 

"Looks like we will be working together pretty closely Armina, can't wait" Leo adds, squeezing my shoulder with a grin. "Can't wait to see what other secrets you've been keeping", he smirks again and my heart skips. I sense trouble.