Chapter 4

Logan's POV

Her lips looked so good that I couldn't resist pressing my lips to her, wanting a taste. But she turned away before our lips could touch.

"I'm sorry. I can't." She apologizes.

"No, it's my fault," I say. "I shouldn't have tried to kiss you."

We remain silent for a while until I ask, "Have you ever been kissed before?"

She shakes her head, tucking her hair behind her ears. "It might sound stupid to you, but I'm..uh.…I'm waiting for my mate." She whispers.

"It's not stupid; don't ever think that," I say truthfully. "Your mate is a lucky guy." She smiles, her eyes bright, looking at me like I hung up the stars.

I clear my throat, shifting uncomfortably. "We should probably get going," I suggest.

"Yeah." She agrees.

I led her to the spot where my car was parked, helped her in, and then slid into the driver's seat. We drive to her house in comfortable silence, the city lights flickering by. I pull up to the curb, parking the car by her house.

"Thanks for the ride home." She says.

"I'm sorry I was such an asshole to you the other day."

She smiles and holds out her hand. "Friends?"

I take her hand in mine, feeling the softness of her skin. "Friends."

I wait until she's inside before driving away.

^^^

For the rest of the week, I can't stop thinking about Ariana. The time we spent together opened up a part of me I didn't know, and I wanted more of that. I tried to talk to her in school, but she was always busy.

I was sitting in the kitchen with my family, my mom making dinner, lost in thought until I heard her name.

"Ariana? Where is she?" I ask, scanning the room.

"What are you talking about, son?" My dad asks, and everyone turns to me suspiciously. "Your mom was just saying that she forgot to pick up Ariana's gift for tomorrow night."

"Oh,"

"Will you help me out, Logan?" Mom asks as she stirs the sauce for dinner. "I need to pick up the gift at Candy's gift store. I'll let her know that you'll be there to pick it up. That way, you can get her a gift from you, or have you already picked something out?"

"No," I mumble.

"Good. We'll save you a plate."

I pick up my keys and head to the gift store, where women like to shop. It was said to be the best store for jewelry and luxury gifts.

"Mr. Smith, I've been expecting you." Candy, the owner of the boutique, said as soon as I entered. "Here's your package." She hands me a bag with the store's logo. "The Luna also mentioned that you'd like to pick a gift. May I know what you have in mind for jewelry and bags? We received a special order of diamonds that would look absolutely exquisite, if I may say so. Would you like to take a look?"

"Sure." She led me to a glass case, where the diamonds sparkled under the lights. As I looked at the gems, I realized I wanted to get the perfect gift for her.

"What about this?" I pointed at a stunning diamond necklace with intricate details.

"Great choice. I'll have it packed in a second."

As she disappears into the back room, the front door opens, and Vivian walks in. "Logan, fancy running into you here." She says, her gaze drifts to the glass case.

"What are you doing here?" I ask.

We both knew this wasn't a coincidence; she probably followed me here.

"I wanted to be present while my boyfriend chooses a gift for me; you know I have exceptional taste." She smiles.

I grit my teeth to avoid lashing out. "I'm not your boyfriend, Vivian."

She ignores my comment and steps closer. "Wow." She said, examining the diamonds. "I must admit, you outdid yourself. These are stunning. Did you already choose for me?" She asks, blinking her lashes innocently.

"I didn't choose for you. If you want it so much, why don't you pick and pay for it?"

Candy arrives before she could talk. "Your order, Mr. Smith. I look forward to seeing you again.

I head out with Vivian on my heels. "What the hell was that?"

I sigh. I couldn't believe I almost tied her to me for life.

"Who's the gift for?" She demands.

"Nothing that concerns you, Vivian. I'm leaving."

"Logan, I'm talking to you. Logan." She screams. I get in my car and drive off, ignoring her.

^^^

It was almost midnight, and I hadn't gotten the chance to speak to Ariana. She's been so busy with the preparations, and when I finally ran into her, I was barely able to talk.

"Logan, you came." Ariana said, her lips spreading in a smile.

"I wanted to wish you luck." I say, holding her hand.

"I'm a bit nervous." She admits it, and I squeeze her hands reassuringly.

"You'll be fine."

"Ari, it's time." Her mother calls, and she smiles at me before letting go.

I stand with the rest of the pack as Ariana is led to the sacred grounds by my father, the alpha. We all held our breaths, waiting, and I picked up a strange smell in the air. Lavender and citrus filled my nostrils, and I inhaled to get more of it. I froze when I heard my wolf utter a word I thought I'd never hear.

Mate.