Veil of Secrets

Chapter Twenty-Nine - I could tell you were happy

I wasn't expecting the text from Sebastian after school, but when it came, it was like a lifeline thrown my way. Physics was my least favorite subject, and if anyone could help me make sense of it, it was him.

Sebastian: "Hey, you free this afternoon? Could use a study buddy for physics."

I agreed almost immediately, partly because I needed the help, but mostly because I enjoyed Sebastian's company. He was my friend, but lately, there was something about the ease with which he made me laugh, the way he kept everything light when the rest of my world felt so heavy. I needed that-needed someone who didn't make every moment feel loaded with meaning and expectation.

When I arrived at his house, I was greeted by the familiar smell of something delicious cooking in the kitchen, and the atmosphere felt warm and inviting. I wasn't expecting to feel this comfortable, to feel so... at home.

Sebastian welcomed me with his signature grin and a casual wave, already sprawled out on the living room floor with textbooks scattered around him. "You ready to tackle this mess?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Not even close, but that's why I'm here, right?"

For the next couple of hours, we studied, laughed, and somehow made physics less of a nightmare. Every time I felt overwhelmed, Sebastian had a way of cracking a joke or explaining things in a way that made me see the problem differently. It was nice. It was easy. And for a moment, it felt like everything else in my life-the chaos, the confusion-faded into the background.

But the moment I stepped back into my house that evening, the weight of it all returned. I walked into my room, expecting peace, but instead, I found Lucas.

He was sitting on the edge of my bed, his posture slouched, his face a mix of sadness and something else I couldn't quite place. I stopped in my tracks, my heart skipping a beat.

"Lucas? What are you doing here?" I asked, not moving closer, unsure of what to expect from him.

He ran a hand through his hair, his expression pained. "I know I shouldn't be here," he began, his voice soft and broken, "and you have every right to be with anyone you want. I just... my wolf side needed to see you."

I didn't approach him, staying by the door instead, arms crossed. "How did you know where I was?" My voice was steady, but inside, I was a mess of confusion and concern.

"I didn't," he admitted, glancing away from me. "Not really. I can feel the basics of your emotions since we're not fully... mated. I can sense when you're happy, and I just... I could tell you were happy. That's all."

I furrowed my brows. "I thought you said we were mates. How are we 'not fully mated'?"

Lucas sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping further. He looked up at me, the vulnerability in his eyes tugging at my heartstrings. "Don't worry about that," he said softly, standing as if preparing to leave. "I'll go. I just... I had to see you."

But I wasn't letting him off that easy. "Answer my question, Lucas."

He stopped in his tracks, turning to face me fully. His expression was conflicted, torn between wanting to protect me from something and needing to tell the truth. "We are mated, Aria. I know you're my mate for sure. 100%." He hesitated, clearly trying to find the right words. "But we're not mated," he finished, his eyes locking with mine.

My face flushed as the implication hit me. My heart raced, and for a moment, I couldn't find words. I tried to shake off the tension by changing the subject. "I'm fine, Lucas," I said, hoping that would be enough to end this conversation.

But he didn't move, his eyes still on me, filled with unspoken emotions. "Aria," he whispered, stepping closer but stopping just short of touching me, "I know this is confusing for you. Hell, it's confusing for me too. But I don't want you to feel trapped. I don't want this bond to hurt you."

I stared at him, my heart racing. "Lucas, I'm not trapped. It's just..." I trailed off, trying to find the right words. The truth was, I didn't know how to feel. The bond between us was real, yes, but I wasn't ready to let it dictate my life. I wasn't ready for everything it meant.

His gaze softened as if he could sense my internal struggle. "You don't have to decide anything right now. I just... I needed to see you. To make sure you're okay."

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his emotions pressing down on me. "I'm okay," I whispered, even though I wasn't entirely sure if that was true.

Lucas gave me a small, sad smile, his eyes lingering on mine for a moment longer before he stepped back. "I'll go," he said, turning toward the window.

"Lucas," I called out before he could leave.

He stopped, looking over his shoulder at me, hope flickering in his eyes.

"Thank you for caring," I said softly.

He nodded, his expression still conflicted, and without another word, he slipped out of the window into the night. As the room settled into silence, I couldn't help but feel the pull of the bond between us, stronger than ever. And yet, I still wasn't sure what I was supposed to do about it.