Chapter 2
Carol’s POV
After a few blinks, the color fades. I must just be dizzy, I think. It had been a long day.
He looks shocked, but his expression quickly shifts into a smile. God, that smile. He takes in a deep breath and leans against the doorway.
“Hi,” he says. His voice is deep and soft. “I’m your new neighbor. I was going to bring some wine over to introduce myself, but I missed my chance.”
I finally snap out of my stupor and manage a smile. “Well, we can pretend this didn’t happen if that means you’ll bring me
wine.”
Heughs God, even hisugh is attractive and stretches out a hand. “I’m Aiden,”
—
I shake his hand and smile. “I’m Carol.”
“Carol,” he repeats. “Like a song. I’ll remember <b>that</b>.” I never thought my name was particrly special, but when he said it, it felt like the most precious <b>thing </b>in the world.
“I’m Fiona, but that doesn’t matter,” Fiona cuts in cheerfully. “We’re going drinking tonight. A new bar, called The Full Moon. You should meet us there.”
“I’m sure you have a lot to do,” I “But… If you have the time, I could write down the name of the bar for you?”
Aiden <b>waves </b>a <b>hand</b>.
“Don’t worry. I’ll remember. He huffs out augh. “I’m a werewolf, so I hear about ‘full moons‘ a lot.”
My heart sinks. Just my luck. There is no way I’m going to make that mistake again.
“We should probably head out — those margaritas aren’t going to drink themselves,” I say. Before Fiona can protest, I grab her by <b>the </b>arm <b>and </b>lead her away.
“Wait,” he says.
“What?” I ask. I force myself to make eye contact with him again just in time to watch aplicated emotion cross his face.
“Your perfume,” <b>he </b>says. “It’s nice, but elusive. Is it a special product?”
“Oh —
— thank you,” I say, “but I don’t really wear perfume.” I expect Aiden to look embarrassed– instead, a mysterious smile pulls at <b>his </b>lips.
“Sorry,” he says. “It must be something else. <b>Please</b>, don’t let me keep you from your drinks.”
Despite his apology, the moment gives me a strange feeling. <b>I </b><b>can </b>feel Fiona staring at me with a huge grin on her face as I pull her d
down the <b>stairs </b>and out the door. It isn’t until we’re seated at the bar that she finally bursts.
<b>“</b>Carol!” She exims excitedly. “Did you hear that? He was flirting with you!”
I purse my lips. “I don’t know,” I say doubtfully. “He might have smelled something in the hallway.”
“Maybe,” Fiona says. “But did you see how hot he was?! Plus, he was wearing a Rolex. He’s clearly loaded!”
I sigh. “I’m not in the right state of mind. And he’s a werewolf
“So?”
“What do you mean, ‘so?” <b>I </b>say, “Even if I did consider him, he’s going to find his fated mate eventually.” “Well, you could be his fated mate, Fiona says yfully, I <b>make </b>a face.
Chapter 2
“<b>Humans </b>aren’t typically the fated mates of werewolves.” Zack told me so. I feel my heart twist at the reminder.
Fiona and I banter back and forth. It’s clear Fiona is trying to distract me, but my mind can’t help but wander. Nothing is. resolved. I’m going to have to see Zack and Sophia at work tomorrow. When Fiona suggests we order a few rounds of drinks<b>, </b>I am more than happy to agree. I resolve to down my sorrows, just this once. I need it.
<b>Fiona </b>and I are debating something when my <b>light </b>is blocked. My heart jumps into my throat. I can recognize that silhouette. anywhere, no matter how tipsy I am.Owned by N?velDrama.Org.
“Oh,” I blurt out, “I didn’t think you’de.”
“Well, I’m sorry to disappoint,” Aiden teases. Fiona jumps to her feet.
“Take my seat!” She insists. “I’m leaving. Right now.”
I whip my head toward her. “What? Since when?” I demand. <b>Fiona </b>grins.
“Sorry! My Uber’s here!” Before I can argue, she rushes out the door.
I let out a groan. It would be far <b>too </b>awkward to just leave Aiden alone here, so I smile.
“Sorry about that,” I say, “Fiona is quite the character.”
Aidenughs and slides into the booth across from me. “I can tell. You’re a bit of a character yourself, though. You’re funny. And mysterious.”
“You think too much of me,” I say, bringing my ss to my lips in an attempt to hide how flustered I feel.
“It’s the opposite. You think too little of yourself, he shoots back. He gs down <b>the </b>waiter to order himself a round of drinks. giving me a moment to collect myself. Once the waiter leaves, he turns his attention back toward me.
“Tell me about yourself,” he says.
The intensity of his gaze makes my heart jump. “What do you want to know?”
“Everything,” he says, his voice low. “But to start, what do you do for a living?”
I rx slightly. At least the first question isn’t too intense. “I’m a realtor,” I say. “Not exactly ‘mysterious”
Aiden smiles. “It’s certainly important work. I’ve been house–hunting, so I <b>have </b>a special appreciation for your it right now. I’m clueless.” I immediately perk up.
“Oh, I’m happy to help!” I say enthusiastically. “There’s a lot to consider in this area. It’s all about zoning. Theyout makes <b>a </b>big difference, too…” I trail off, realizing I’m rambling. I’m about to apologize when I realize Aiden is leaning forward. “You’re passionate, Aiden notes. He looks at me like I’m the most interesting person in the world. My heart flutters. “I guess so,” I say with an embarrassed smile. “But really if you need any help, feel free to reach out.”
“I’ll have to keep that in mind. I have a meeting with a realty office tomorrow, but if it doesn’t <b>work </b>well, I’lle knocking.”
The conversation between us is shockingly natural. Our senses of humor match together perfectly. We order round after round, both not wanting the night to <b>end</b>. I don’t even realize how much time has passed. For a moment, I think I see the strange pink glow again. I decide I must be so drunk I’m delirious.
We’re both well past tipsy when the bar closes. The two of us are leaning against one another heavily as we leave, stillughing. It’s not until we’re climbing <b>the </b>stairs that I realize I haven’t thought of <b>Zack </b>a single time since Aiden arrived.
I don’t even realize it when I pass by my apartment. It’s only when we’re standing in front of Aiden’s door that I notice.
“Oh,” I <b>say</b>. I’m too tipsy to be embarrassed. “I was just following you.”
A sly smile pulls at <b>Aiden’s </b>lips. “I’m notining,” he says. He unlocks his door. “I won’t stop you if you keep following”
Chapter 2
I swallow hard. Aiden turns and enters his apartment. I only hesitate for a moment before walking <b>in </b>after <b>him</b>.
Aiden <b>is </b>already sitting on <b>his </b><b>bed</b><b>. </b>I don’t join him yet. I stand only a few feet away from him.
“So,” I say, “are you going to invite me to <b>join </b>you?”
Aiden’s gaze roams over my body. He lets out a deep breath.
“Please,” he says, his voice low. He doesn’t have to ask twice. I close the distance between us, straddling him on the edge of the bed. He pulls me against him with so gently I gasp.
As soon as I am close enough, he pulls me <b>into </b>a tender yet passionate . The is like nothing I’ve ever felt before. Aiden falls backward onto the bed <b>and </b>1 follow after him.
It <b>soon </b>bes clear that we don’t need words tomunicate with each <b>other</b>. Our bodies move together like we were made for one another. When we’re finally tangled in the bedsheets, skin against skin, I realize I’ve never before experienced this level of satisfaction before.
As Aiden presses against me, I can hear his heavy breathing in my ear. My fingernails press into the <b>muscles </b>of his back. If his lips hadn’t been so close to my neck, I might not have heard what he said.
“It really is you.”
I don’t have long to think over his words before both of us are carried away by ecstasy.
For a long moment, wey in bed. I can hear the pounding of <b>his </b>heart gradually slow. I’m not sure if I’ve ever felt this rxed in my life.
Thefortable quiet goes on for some time. Soon, however, Aiden runs a hand over my shoulder and our bodies are drawn. together again. I’m not sure if I ever <b>want </b>to stop.
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Chapter <b>3</b>
Carol’s POV