Her Mates

23

The rest of the school day passed in a blur. After the confrontation with Olivia, my mates kept a close watch on me—more than usual. Dorian and Juri made sure I was never alone in the hallways, and when lunchtime rolled around, Emilia and Zac flanked me, making it clear that I was under their protection.

Normally, I might have pushed back against their overprotectiveness, but after everything that had happened—the rumors, the glares, the way people whispered behind my back—I couldn't deny that it felt... good. Safe.

Still, the weight of their gazes followed me everywhere, a constant reminder that I was never really alone.

By the time the final bell rang, I was exhausted. The moment I stepped outside, the crisp evening air filled my lungs, washing away some of the tension I'd been carrying all day. Hunter was waiting by the car, arms crossed, looking effortlessly intimidating as always.

"Ready to go?" he asked, eyes scanning me like he was searching for any sign of distress.

I nodded, letting him pull me into a brief hug before we climbed into the car. The ride back to their house was quiet, a comfortable silence settling between us. My mind drifted to what the night might bring.

Things had changed between us. The pull between me and my mates had only grown stronger, more undeniable. And after last night, after everything we'd shared, I knew it was only a matter of time before I fully gave in.

I wanted them. All of them.

And I was done pretending otherwise.

When we arrived at the house, the others were already waiting inside. The smell of dinner filled the air, but I barely noticed it. My heart was pounding, anticipation curling low in my stomach as I met each of their gazes.

Dorian was the first to notice the shift in my expression. His blue eyes darkened slightly, as if he could read the thoughts running through my head. "Maeve?"

I took a slow breath, steadying myself. "I think we need to talk."

The room went still.

Hunter leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. "About?"

I swallowed hard, my fingers gripping the hem of my sweater. "About us."

A flicker of understanding passed between them. I saw the way Zac's jaw tightened, the way Emilia's lips parted slightly. Juri's eyes flashed with something unreadable.

Dorian, ever the composed one, spoke first. "Go on."

I hesitated, my pulse hammering. "I know this has been a slow build. And I know we've all been figuring things out. But I don't want to hold back anymore." I met each of their eyes, letting them see the truth in mine. "I want this. I want us."

A charged silence filled the air. Then, Hunter stood, his movements deliberate. He walked over to me, tilting my chin up with his fingers. "Are you sure?" His voice was rough, almost strained.

I nodded. "Yes."

A muscle in his jaw ticked before his lips curled into a slow, knowing smirk. "Then let's make tonight unforgettable."