Chapter 3

AURORA'S POV:

I don’t know what’s worse; the way Arc is looking at me, or the way my heart is pounding, like I just sprinted a mile.

Mate.

Jon said it first. Now Arc.

Two completely different guys. Two complete strangers. And both of them are acting like they own me.

Two people I have never spoken to before today. I just knew there was something bad about today.

I take another step back, trying to put distance between us, but Arc moves just as quickly, closing the space. His expression is unreadable, but there’s something sharp in his eyes—like he’s trying to figure out a puzzle and doesn’t like the answer.

"This doesn’t make sense," he mutters. "Vampires don’t have mates."

Vampire.

I almost laugh. This guy is obviously insane. First Jon and his mate nonsense, now Arc talking about vampires? Is this some elaborate prank? Some secret game all the hot guys at Clarence High play?

"Yeah, okay," I say, voice tight. "Well, whatever weird fantasy you’re living in, leave me out of it."

I try to push past him, but he moves faster than I can blink, blocking my path.

I freeze.

I didn’t even see him move.

My stomach twists, a cold sliver of fear threading through me. I glance around, but the courtyard is empty. It’s just me and him.

His jaw clenches. "What are you?"

My breath catches. "Excuse me?"

Arc’s eyes narrow. "You’re not human. You can’t be."

I bark out a laugh. "Okay, well, that’s news to me. Pretty sure I’ve been a boring, average human my whole life. I could be a fairy though. Don't I look like one?"

His lips curl slightly, but there’s no humor in it. "That’s a lie."

Something about the way he says it makes my pulse spike.

I don’t like this.

I don’t like the way my skin prickles under his gaze. I don’t like the way his voice sounds so certain, like he knows something I don’t.

I need to get out of here.

I sidestep, bolting toward the doors. This time, he lets me go. But as I reach the entrance, I swear I hear him whisper—

"I’ll find out the truth."

I spend the rest of the day pretending none of this happened.

I avoid Jon. I avoid Arc. I even avoid Cali because I know the second she sees my face, she’ll know something’s up.

By the time the last bell rings, I’m exhausted. All I want to do is go home, crawl into bed, and pretend today never happened.

But, of course, life isn’t that kind.

When I step outside, Jon is waiting for me by the Andersons’ car.

"Can we talk?" His voice is calm, but there’s something tense in his posture.

"No."

He sighs, running a hand through his dark hair. "Aurora, please. I know you don’t understand what’s happening, but I need you to listen to me."

I cross my arms. "Why? So you can tell me more about this ‘mate’ thing?"

He nods. "Yes."

I exhale sharply, glancing around. Students are still spilling out of the building, but no one’s paying attention to us.

"Fine," I say. "You have five minutes."

Jon studies me, then glances toward the parking lot. "Not here."

A warning bell goes off in my head. "If you think I’m going anywhere alone with you, you’re insane."

"I would never hurt you." His voice is low, sincere. "But if you don’t believe me, we can talk at home. Just… please, Aurora."

Something in his expression makes me hesitate.

Jon isn’t just frustrated. He looks desperate.

And, against my better judgment, I nod.

Dinner at the Andersons’ is awkward.

Henry and Ava are their usual, cheerful selves, asking Jon questions about Australia, about school, about how he’s adjusting.

I barely hear any of it. My mind is still tangled in the events of the day.

Jon’s mate claim.

Arc’s weird reaction.

The way they both acted like I was something else—something impossible.

When I finally escape to my room, I expect Jon to follow.

He doesn’t.

Instead, he knocks.That alone surprises me.

"Come in," I say hesitantly.

Jon steps inside, shutting the door behind him. He leans against the wall, arms crossed.

"You have questions."

"No kidding." I sit on the edge of my bed. "Start with this mate thing. What does it mean?"

Jon exhales, running a hand through his hair. "It means we’re bonded. Soulmates. Fated to be together."

I stare at him. "First of all, you don’t even know me. Secondly, this is some full on fantasy shit."

"I didn’t have to," he says softly. "The moment I saw you, I knew. My wolf knew."

I blink. "Your what now?" I cover my mouth to hold back a snort.

Jon holds my gaze. "I’m a werewolf, Aurora."

I wait for the punchline. Some indication that this is all some elaborate joke.

It doesn’t come.

His expression is open, honest.

And terrifyingly serious.

I shake my head. "You expect me to believe that?"

"I don’t expect anything. I just need you to listen." He hesitates, then sits across from me, his green eyes searching mine. "I don’t know why you don’t feel the bond yet, but it’s there. And it’s not just me who senses it."

I swallow. "Arc."

Jon’s jaw tightens. "Yeah. That’s why I need to figure out what’s happening."

I rub my temples. "So let me get this straight. You’re a werewolf. Arc is… what? A vampire?"

Jon nods.

I bark out a laugh. "Great. And I’m just a normal human caught in the middle of some supernatural pissing contest?"

Jon watches me for a long moment.

"No," he says finally.

Something in his tone makes my stomach drop.

"I don’t think you’re human at all."

"Okay. That's it. You have finally overstayed your welcome here. You can now take your leave. And never ever, talk to me about this again."

He looks defeated and his mouth opens and closes as if he wants to say something. He nods with an understanding look and leaves.

I stand up and lock the door after him. Letting out a shaky breath, I plop down on my bed, closing my eyes.