Chapter 5

Aarya

Time had flown by, and I had already spent over a month in the United States. Adjusting to a new educational system and way of life was quite the challenge, but having Steven, Lea, and Nyx by my side made it much easier. They had become my pillars of support, helping me cope with the homesickness and the cultural differences.

When the festival of Diwali arrived, homesickness struck me hard. In response, the trio of my newfound friends took me to a nearby Indian restaurant. The food might not have matched my mother’s culinary magic, but the taste still carried a slice of home. Following dinner, we embarked on a lazy drive in Steven’s car, culminating in a night spent by the beach. It was in those moments that I realized they had grown into more than just friends; they were my chosen family, my confidants, and the people I instinctively trusted.

Presently, I found myself sitting through one of my less engaging classes, my mind wandering through the events that had unfolded over the last few weeks. Boredom was gradually lulling me into drowsiness when a paper ball abruptly struck my head, jolting me awake.

“Ouch,” I murmured. My hand instinctively moved to soothe the stinging impact. Lea’s mischievous smirk was impossible to miss as I met her gaze.

The professor’s stern voice interrupted my thoughts. “Miss. Verma, is there something you’d like to share with the class?”

Caught off guard, I stammered, “N-No, sir.”

He pressed on, his gaze fixed on me. “Can you enlighten us about the strategies we discussed?”

Feeling put on the spot, I hesitated before responding, “Umm, sure.”

He persisted, “Let’s hear them then.”

Before I could muster a response, the shrill ring of the bell signaled the end of the class. The lecturer’s attention shifted, and he briskly departed with a reproachful parting remark. “Next time, Miss. Verma, pay attention.”

Lea’s laughter rang out beside me. “Look at you, Aarya. You seemed like you were about to pass out.”

I huffed, “Thank you very much for that.”

Lea answered, “Come on. It was funny!”

I shot her a glare, albeit resembling, as my brothers would put it, an adorable child. But Lea seemed to recognize the dangerous territory she was treading and refrained from teasing further.

Lea pouted, “Come on, let’s grab some chocolate milk. Consider it an apology.”

A smile tugged at my lips, and I nodded appreciatively. Together, we made our way to the cafeteria, leaving the classroom and its monotony behind.

Inside the cafe, Steven and Nyx were already waiting. Steven inquired, “So, what did you do this time?” He looked at Lea, an expectant glint in his eyes as he kissed her forehead tenderly.

Lea feigned innocence, saying, “Me? Oh, nothing at all.”

Taking a sip of my chocolate milk, I chimed in, “Yeah, and I’m the Queen of England. Lea here decided to throw a paper ball at me, and guess what? The professor caught me!”

Steven smirked as he questioned Lea, a gentle kiss planted in their interlaced hands. “Did you now?”

“Hey, I bought chocolate milk as an apology, so I am not guilty anymore,” Lea said.

As we enjoyed our beverages, I shared, “Guess I forgive her now."

Lea asked, “So, what’s the plan after classes?”

Steven chimed, “How about catching a movie?”

Nyx intervened, her tone a touch stern. “Steven, we’re meeting my brother. Did you forget?” Steven winced, giving her an apologetic smile. Huh?

“Wow, Alpha... uh, your brother is coming here?” Lea inquired, squirming a bit, before gazing at me and smiling uncomfortably.

Nyx’s gaze twinkled, a knowing smile curving her lips. “Yeah, and after that, we’re hitting the party at Pawprints, the new club.”

Lea’s excitement was palpable in her enthusiastic response. “Party? Count me in!”

As for me, I had been blissfully sipping my chocolate milk and missed most of the conversation. Slightly confused, I inquired as Lea shimmed her shoulders, “What’s got you so excited? Why the monkey dance?”

“We’re heading to a party, and you’re coming with us! No excuses!” Steven remarked.

“No way. We have internships to apply for, a paper due by Tuesday, and midterms to study for. Midterms are in just ten days!” I responded, showing my ten fingers.

“Come on, Aarya, we have plenty of time to get everything done. Please, please, please, please, pretty please,” Lea requested.

I remained steadfast, unwilling to budge. “You guys go ahead. I’m not up for it.”

“Oh, the fact that she can’t dance scared someone!” Nyx smirked, knowing she’d struck a chord.

“Hey! I’m a fantastic dancer!” I declared.

Nyx attempted to rile me up by saying, “Prove it in the club with a dance battle.” Knowing how it would work, I groaned.

My competitive nature, honed by growing up with brothers, couldn’t resist a challenge. “Fine,” I relented, “but I have nothing to wear.”

Lea’s reassurance was swift. “Don’t worry about that. I’ve got plenty you can borrow.”

“We’re going to have an absolute blast. We’ll have booze, dancing, and hot guys!” Nyx remarked, her brows wiggling. We laughed at her while we ate the rest of our meal.

As we left the cafeteria and strolled down the bustling corridor toward the library, a minor collision occurred as someone ran into me. I stumbled and landed on the ground, prompting concerned voices from my friends. They rushed to my side, ensuring my well-being.

“Are you all right?”

“Oh, my gosh.”

“Aarya,” they all said at the same time.

Steven twisted his body towards the guy who bumped into me. “Hey, do you have any eyes? Watch where—” But amidst their chorus of concern, the commotion died down as Steven’s protective instincts took over.

Recognizing his mounting anger, I intervened, lightly patting Steven’s shoulder and giving a small smile to the guy Steven was about to admonish. “Hey, Steven, it’s alright. I’m fine, just a bit of chocolate milk spilled. I’ll head to the restroom to clean up.”

With a sheepish smile, the guy apologized and retreated down the hall. My friends remained by my side, their attention unwavering.

“I’ll be back in a minute, guys,” I reassured them, excusing myself to deal with the mess. I de-escalated the situation as much as I could, but I knew they were angry, and I adored them for taking care of me.

Meanwhile, in the hallway.....

A low growl rumbled in Steven’s throat. Lea’s whisper was filled with understanding. “Baby, calm down. Your wolf is showing up.”

Taking Lea’s hand, Steven began walking, his aim to distance himself from the triggering situation. “Sorry, my wolf got a bit carried away.”

Lea’s response was a comforting caress. “It’s okay, sweetheart. You’re just protective. Same here, though. I feel as though Aarya’s family. My wolf, Mimi, is very protective of her as well."

“Guys, I’m confused. My wolf is protective of Aarya. This has never happened before for anyone except Lea, but it’s on a different scale.” Steven said.

Lea let out a growl. Steven laughed and hugged her. “Calm down, baby. I feel protective of Aarya as if she were a sibling.”

“Sorry, Mimi became a little jealous. But you are right; I feel the same way. Like we must protect her with everything,” Lea responded.

“It’s strange to me, too,” Nyx said. “My wolf, Anne, believes that she is our friend and a human, and that is why we are so protective of her.”