Chapter 6

• It's been one week since I attended Luke's party.
• That night, I cried for no reason. I asked myself why I started to feel something for a boy who did not even have any idea about my feelings.
• I could not forget his kiss and his closeness. Abigail had come to pick me up from my house the next day. She noticed a hickey on my neck and looked shocked. When I told her everything, she became very angry with Ian.
• But I asked her for a promise. I told her not to talk to anyone about it, not even Luke or Debra. She at first did not agree with it since he wanted to teach a lesson to Ian, but later I insisted, and she had no choice but to agree. She even helped me cover the hickey with makeup.
• "Where are you lost, Ava?"
• I heard my mother, and I looked at her. We were eating breakfast together.
• "Nothing, Mom."
• “Are you sure? I have been observing you all week. You look a little lost to me. Is everything alright?”
• "Yeah, Mom. I am fine. Don't worry."
• My mother gave me a smile and a nod. I stared at my mother for a long time. She appeared very happy today.
• It was because I was turning eighteen tomorrow. She was more excited than me.
• Everything was going to change tomorrow. I would find my mate.
• I was afraid of who it would be.
• Because whenever I closed my eyes, I saw someone I should not have thought of.
• Throughout the week, he ignored me as if I were invisible. It was true that I also wanted that. I wanted to be away from him. But what he did that night was something I could never forget. How could he forget that so easily?
• He did not even come to explain or apologize to me for what he did.
• Overall, my mind was completely messed up.
• After breakfast, my mother left for the hospital, and I went to my bedroom. I decided not to go to the university today. I wanted to stay at home alone. Even though I knew I had a few assignments to complete today, I did not want to go. I was upset for no reason.
• I spent the whole day watching dramas. My friends called to inquire why I did not attend any classes. I said that I was not feeling well, and that was why. I didn't tell them about my birthday. My mother would never let me host a party like them or invite them to my house.
• My mother returned at night and made dinner for us. I helped her in the kitchen. We talked about some memories and laughed. She brightened my mood without my knowing it.
• I just loved my mother. What a strong woman she was! Why could I not be just like her? I was not strong, not at least emotionally.
• After a late dinner, I hugged my mother and said goodnight before retiring to my room.
• An hour later, just as I was ready to head to bed, there was a knock on the door.
• I opened the door and was stunned.
• "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
• To my surprise, Abigail and Debra were holding a gorgeous chocolate cake together. Luke was standing behind them with a bouquet of flowers. My gaze moved to the mother behind them all. She smiled at me and nodded.
• My eyes turned teary. This was the first time my mother had allowed my friends to surprise me like this. Now I understand why she always told me, 'When you'll turn eighteen, you'll get your mate. I'll never stop you from doing anything from then on.'
• Abigail and Debra placed the cake on the bed, hugged me, and wished me a happy birthday. Luke gave me the flower bouquet and hugged me. I cast a glance at my mother.
• She raised her eyebrows. I chuckled, shook my head, and mouthed,
• "Just a friend."
• She nodded her head in response.
• "Thank you." I told my friends and walked to my mother. I embraced her and sobbed.
• She patted me on the back. "Come on. Let's cut the cake."
• I blew out the candles, praying that all of my mother's wishes would come true. I promised myself that I would be loyal to my mate and would not think about anyone else.
• I cut the cake and fed everyone.
• My friends stayed until one at night. My mother prepared late-night snacks for them, and we all had a great time enjoying my little birthday celebrations.
• I went out to say goodbye to my friends as they were leaving the house.
• "You are so beautiful without glasses and with open hair. You look completely different. Why don't you go out like this?" Luke asked while looking at me.
• I was stunned. I realized I was wearing my long pajamas. I did not have my glasses on, and my hair was down, too.
• "Actually, my eyesight is fine. I use it outside because I am allergic to dust."
• “What are you saying? Your mom is a doctor. Ask her to recommend some eye drops for you,” Abigail said from behind Luke and winked at me.
• "Yeah, she's right." Debra joined the conversation.
• "I'll tell her later." I muttered to them.
• They all got into Luke's car and left. Luke promised them to drop them off.
• I went inside my house and hugged my mother again. We gossiped for another hour. She said she was eager to see her future son-in-law. She expected me to settle down with my mate within two to three years. I laughed as I saw her eyes light up with excitement while talking about it.
• Her words captivated my heart.
• "Your mate will love you and fight for you with the entire world, Ava."
• The next day,
• I walked up late in the morning to get ready for university. I missed my classes yesterday, so I was afraid of missing my classes today.
• I left my house after giving my mother a kiss on the cheek. I said I would have my breakfast at my university.
• When I arrived at the university, I started feeling strange. I was feeling anxious.
• I had no idea why I was feeling so weird. I walked into the lobby. People were casting derisive glances at me. I could see a few students who were like me, busy with their studies while looking at their books.
• I got a text from Abigail saying that she was in the class. So I hurried to the locker room to retrieve my books.
• But before I could open my locker, my hands stopped in the middle. I caught a whiff of something addictive. It smelled like rain, as if it were raining outside.
• At that moment, I heard a loud growl.
• I turned around and gasped when I realized who was standing near me.
• His glowing red eyes met mine. My wolf began to jump inside with joy.
• My wolf started to chant the same word again and again.
• My lips quivered as I looked intoi hs eyes. My voice came out in a low whisper.
• “Ian? M-Mate!”