Chapter 36: Beautiful Picture

Art was something Fidelis was not overly interested in until he came to the human realm. Before it appeared too abstract for him to comprehend. Maybe it was because the artists of his world lacked the creativity of humans. Today, however, he was finding it fascinating and fun. It was all due to Sera's presence.

Everything about her was subtle, innocent, and sweet. No pretentiousness or guile either. All the things he despised in the nobles and court ladies who constantly sought his attention. He felt that Sera was the type of person to be honest and straightforward. He wondered if she had passion and desires that she was hiding behind that shy demeanor.

It was all so intriguing. He also liked a challenge. Unraveling the true Sera would be just that. He reined in his wandering thoughts when Ms. Dale announced they had to form groups.

Fidelis and his friends got up and walked over to Sera and Al. He snagged an empty chair and sat next to her desk.

"Sera, do you trust me to pair you and Al up in the correct groups?"

She nodded, and Al did the same. He grinned. "That settles it."

His friends all groaned and rolled their eyes at him.

"What?" she asked, confusion clear on her face.

"You've done it now," grumbled Liz.

"What did I do?"

He frowned when panic replaced confusion. He wasn't sure why Sera had such negative reactions to simple statements. It bothered him. He would have to work on helping her be more positive. To do that, he needed to learn more about her and her family.

"You put him in charge, that's what," laughed Penelope.

"Oh," Sera replied quietly, the tension in her body disappearing.

There was definitely a story behind Sera's behavior. He decided to move on to the main topic.

"Alright. Al, Sera, Liz, Penelope, and I are one group. The rest of you get to hang together," he told them with a grin, ignoring their groans of dissent.

"What the hell?" complained Drake.

"Fine, whatever," George replied with a shrug.

Danny, Griff, and Karl didn't say anything. Ms. Dale walked over to them and handed them two sheets. Fidelis quickly filled them out and took them to her desk.

"Thank you for swiftly choosing your groups. I have randomly created your first pairing for today's assignment. When I call your names, one person from the pair needs to come up and get this paper. Here we go." She held her tablet in her hand and started reading off names.

He was pleased to see that he was paired with Sera. Maybe she would open up more if it were just the two of them. He smiled, happy to finally have some alone time with his mysterious mate.

"Please gather your things and let's go outside," announced Ms. Dale as she led the way outside.

Once they were outside, Ms. Dale pointed to the area surrounding the school. "Pick a spot and use your phones to take pictures. Keep them school-appropriate," she added when one of the boys from the class made a crude comment.

Fidelis rolled his eyes at the human boy's immature behavior. He could sense Sera's nervous fidgeting. She didn't speak, choosing to remain silent. That was alright. He would get her to talk, even if it was only a couple of sentences.

"Sera, let's go to that tree over there."

"Okay." Obediently, she followed. She reached out and touched it with her fingers.

His eyes were riveted by that simple motion. Her movement was graceful and loving. He wondered what it would feel like if she stroked his skin. He tamped down on his lustful thoughts. He had to be careful. His instincts told him if he rushed or pushed too hard, he would lose Sera.

"First, before pictures, let's exchange numbers," he suggested.

"That's fine." She took out her phone and quickly entered the number he rattled off.

She sent a text, and he held up his screen to show he received it. He saved her number, a huge smile on his face. First step completed. He glanced at her and saw her lost in thought.

"Sera?"

"Oh, sorry!" She blushed. "I was lost in thought."

"It's okay. I do that sometimes." He pointed to the tree. "How about leaning against it and looking off into the distance? I think that will make an awesome picture."

She took her place, leaning her back against the tree. She turned so she was in profile and tilted her head to gaze off into the distance.

"Breathtaking," he murmured, mesmerized by the beauty before him. He itched to caress her cheek. To be honest, he wanted more than a touch. A kiss would be nice. Her lips were a natural, pretty pink color. He dropped his gaze for a second, not wanting to intrude on this moment. He brought his phone up and started taking pictures.

Sera was photogenic, so there were no bad angles. Everything was gorgeous from her eyes to her olive-kissed skin. He liked it all.

"Sera?"

She turned and smiled at him. "Yes?"

"Um, nothing," he replied and cleared his throat. "Oh, we need to go. The bell's about to ring for the next class."

"Alright." She patted the tree one last time before following him back inside with the rest of their classmates.

After art class, Fidelis had trouble concentrating. His thoughts about Sera were running rampant and distracting him. He remembered to ask for Al's number as well during seventh period, just in case Sera didn't answer his texts.

On the way home, he quietly contemplated the enigma of Sera. He couldn't wait to share with his father the news about his fated mate. He raced into the castle and headed right to his father's study. He knocked and entered, too excited to stand on ceremony.

"And hello to you, too, my son," chuckled his father from behind his desk.

"Father, I found her!"

His dad's grin disappeared to be replaced by happy surprise. "Congratulations, my son."

"Thanks."

His father steepled his fingers and leaned forward. "So, tell me the details."

"She's beautiful, kind, and very shy. She's intelligent, too, and innocent. No arrogance or self-centeredness. Did I mention she's beautiful?"

His dad chuckled and laughed as Fidelis blushed at his father's knowing look.

"She sounds wonderful. All I have to say is go easy and feel her out. Don't push her to do things that she and you, are not ready for. Just because you two are fated, doesn't mean you have to leave common sense behind in your relationship. I don't want you to end up with a broken heart."

"I understand. Do you want to see a picture of her?"

"You have a picture already?"

"Thank Autem that my art teacher is a bit unconventional in her instruction approach. We got the chance to take pictures of our partners today." He pulled out his phone and opened his picture gallery.

Fidelis handed his phone to his father and watched his expression as he viewed the photos. His approval meant the world to Fidelis. He had a feeling that his father would like Sera a lot.

"She really is a beauty."

"I know. There is possibly one problem, though."

"Problem?" His father's eyes narrowed.

"Yeah. Sera is the younger twin sister of Amy Holland."

His father's disgusted expression mirrored his own. The run-in they'd had with Amy and her crowd last year left a bitter taste in their mouths. She was obnoxious, hateful, deceitful, and a bully. Fidelis despised her, as did his father.

"Well, that is unfortunate."

"Yes, it is. However, that does not change my feelings or the fact that Sera and I are fated. I will pursue my mate. I want my happiness and Sera's, too."

"I will support you in all you do, my son. If possible, I would like to meet her in the future."

"I would like that, Father. Well, I'd better get started on my homework. AP classes are no joke." He took his phone back from his father and bowed. "See you at dinner, Father."

"Good luck with the homework." His father grinned and returned to his stack of paperwork.

Fidelis left his study, skipping his way to his room. He would get some work done and then text Sera.