The Kiss and the Stranger

Chapter 9 – The Kiss and the Stranger

Aria stood in front of her bedroom mirror, her fingers clutching the straps of her backpack. She stared at her reflection, searching for something different—a mark, a change, a trace of the kiss that still burned in her mind. Her heart thumped harder just thinking about it. Had Damon really kissed her? Or was it one of her strange, vivid dreams? No, it was real. His warm hands on her waist, his breath against her ear, the fierce look in his silver-gray eyes—it was too sharp, too alive to be imagined. She'd replayed it a hundred times, maybe more, but it still didn't make sense. Why had he kissed her? Why couldn't she shake it?

She sighed, her breath shaky, and slung her backpack over her shoulder. She left the house, the morning air cool against her cheeks. Instead of heading to the bus stop, she turned down the street to walk. She needed quiet, space to breathe, to untangle the knot of thoughts in her head. Her boots scraped the sidewalk, hands buried in her hoodie pocket. Cars hummed past, neighbors sprinkled water on their lawns, but Aria felt like she was floating through a fog, disconnected from the world.

By the time she reached school, her mind was still a mess. The bell had rung, and she slipped into her classroom, taking a seat near the back. She stayed silent, avoiding everyone's eyes. The whispers about her had quieted lately.

She closed her eyes, trying to push the kiss from her mind, just enough to focus. But the memory crashed back—Damon's breath, his lips, the way her heart had stopped. She jolted in her seat, blinking hard to clear her head, her cheeks flushing.

"Hey," a soft voice said behind her.

Aria turned to see Mona, her face a mix of worry and curiosity, sliding into the seat beside her. Mona's presence was like a lifeline, steady and warm.

"You okay?" Mona asked, her voice low and gentle.

Aria sat up, forcing a calm expression. "Yeah. I'm fine."

Mona tilted her head, her eyes narrowing. "You sure? You look like you saw something spooky."

"I'm just thinking," Aria said quickly, her words rushed. "The dance contest's coming up, and I don't have a routine yet. That's all."

Mona gave a small smile, but her eyes stayed serious, like she saw through the excuse. "Right. The contest. Sure."

Aria forced a weak smile back. She couldn't explain the kiss, the confusion, or Damon. How do you describe a moment that turned your world upside down? The teacher walked in, and class started. Aria stared at the board, pretending to take notes, her pen scratching half-hearted lines. But her mind was elsewhere, tangled in questions. Why had Damon said he loved her? What did he want? Why did the kiss feel like it meant something, even when she didn't want it to?

By the end of class, her notebook was nearly empty, just a few scribbled words.

At lunch, Aria carried her tray to a quiet corner of the cafeteria. She picked at her sandwich, her stomach too knotted to eat. The chatter of students—laughing, talking, clattering trays—felt like static, buzzing around her. Then a snippet of conversation nearby made her pause.

"…Yeah, the Rolex wolf clan. Super elite."

"They're in the dance contest. Everyone's buzzing about it."

Aria glanced up, keeping her head low. Two students at the next table were deep in talk about the competition. The Rolex wolf clan—whoever they were—sounded like a big deal.

"They're just below the Lycans in power," one whispered, their voice hushed but excited.

Aria's heart sank, heavy as a stone. Another reminder she was out of place. She leaned back, chewing her bread slowly, her thoughts spinning. Who were the Rolex clan? She'd never met one. Now she had to compete against them? The idea made her chest tighter, her confidence crumbling.

The day dragged on, each class blending into the next. When the final bell rang, students poured out, their voices loud and eager. Aria stayed in her seat, her body heavy. She wasn't ready to go home, to face her empty house or her thoughts. Mona had left for an errand, leaving Aria alone. She leaned against the classroom window, watching the sunset bleed across the sky. The hallways grew quiet, the school emptying out. Only then did she grab her bag and head outside.

The streets were nearly empty, the city settling into dusk. Aria's footsteps echoed softly, her fingers cold around her bag straps. The air was crisp, biting at her exposed skin. As she turned onto her street, something caught her eye—a sleek black car parked near the sidewalk. A woman stood beside it, her figure sharp and familiar.

Aria slowed, her heart picking up. It was her—the woman from the restaurant. The one in the red dress, with that unsettling smile and knowing eyes.

Aria approached cautiously, her instincts screaming to stay alert. The woman turned, her smile calm but sharp, like a blade hidden in silk. "There you are," she said, her voice smooth. "I've been waiting."

Aria frowned, her hands tightening on her straps. "What are you doing here?"

"I said we'd meet again, didn't I?" the woman replied, her tone light but heavy with meaning. "Or… do you not want that anymore?"

"I'm going home," Aria said flatly, her voice firm. "You should, too."

The woman chuckled, stepping closer, but keeping just enough distance. "Tell me, Aria," she said, her voice dropping, "do you love your mate? Or are you planning to reject him?"

Aria froze, her spine stiffening. Her heart pounded, anger flaring. "That's none of your business," she snapped. "You don't get to ask me that."

The woman raised an eyebrow, unbothered. "No need to get mad," she said smoothly. "I thought you might want someone to talk to. By the way, my name's Linda. Remember it."

Aria's eyes narrowed. "Yeah. I'll remember," she said, her voice cold as ice.

She turned and walked away, her steps quick and sharp, frustration burning in her chest. She didn't look back. Linda—whoever she was—felt like trouble. Aria didn't trust her, not even a little.

At home, the house was silent, her mom still out. Aria dropped her bag on the couch and sank beside it, burying her face in her hands. Why was this happening? Why did Linda keep showing up? Why was Damon acting like he cared? Her thoughts were a storm, her body exhausted. All she wanted was sleep, an escape from the chaos.

She headed to the bathroom, letting a hot shower wash away the day's weight. The steam soothed her, if only for a moment. She changed into pajamas, crawled into bed, and let her head sink into the pillow. Her eyes fluttered shut, and sleep pulled her under.

But her rest wasn't calm.

— DREAM —

Aria stood in the woods again. Tall trees loomed around her, their branches swaying in a wind she couldn't feel. The air was thick, eerie, pressing against her skin. Her bare feet sank into soft dirt as she turned, searching for a sign, a reason she was here.

Then she saw him.

The man from her dreams.

This time, his face was clear, stepping out from the shadows. His expression was calm but intense, his eyes piercing. Aria's heart raced, and she stepped back, fear gripping her chest.

He moved closer, his steps slow and deliberate. She wanted to run, but her feet were rooted to the ground. When he was close—close enough to touch—he reached out, his fingers brushing her cheek, soft but firm.

"Don't be scared, mate," he whispered.

Aria's breath caught. Her mind screamed with questions.

Was this another mate?

Was this real?

Was she—