Deception

Aurora’s Pov

I stood frozen, my eyes locked on Darius's mischievous smile. 

What was he doing here? And why was he being so... flirty towards me? 

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as he leaned in closer, his warm breath on my skin. I couldn't fathom why my heart was racing and suddenly I felt the need to touch him. 

He is the man I needed to avoid to prevent the whole rumor in my past life but why was he here in the bathroom with me, looking so mischievous and why do I feel this way? In my past life I didn't feel different about him. He was an Alpha I respected and feared but found favour in his sight because I saved his sister from drowning. 

In the past, he didn't follow me to the bathroom nor was he mischievous. The surprising thing is I can't explain why I felt this way about him as well. 

“What are you doing here?” I asked with curiosity in my voice. 

He moved closer, his nose brushing my neck, before I could ask him any more questions or process what was happening, the sound of footsteps echoed outside the bathroom door. 

Panic set in, I tried to rush to the bathroom and go out but I knew that was the wrong thing to do. Seeing me rushing out and Alpha Darius in the bathroom would only bring more rumors so I reacted on instinct, grabbing his hand. I yanked him into the nearest toilet stall, locking it. He didn't resist, but his eyes sparkled with amusement and pulled me close but my heart raced with fear.

I held my breath, praying that whoever entered wouldn't find us. The stall was tiny, and Darius's broad frame seemed to fill the entire space. I was pressed against him, my chest flat against his, and I could feel the heat coming from his body. I felt a bulge in his pants pressing against my thigh and I honestly don't want to believe it was what I was thinking. 

He's having a boner right now?

I looked down to see his pants and my eyes widened in shock as I confirmed my suspicions. The bulge was unmistakable, and I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I quickly looked away, trying to process what was happening.

Darius whispered in a low husky voice, "Don't look so shocked, Muffin. You're a very attractive woman."

I felt a surge of embarrassment and annoyance at his comment. 

Was he seriously hitting on me right now? In a toilet stall? 

While we were hiding from who-knows-who?

I tried to push him away, but he didn't budge. Instead, he leaned in closer, his breath on me. 

"What are you doing?" I whispered, trying to push him away, but he didn't budge.

Darius's eyes lightened with mischief as he whispered back, "I think you're hiding for a reason, Muffin."

I glared at him, trying to convey my annoyance, but he just chuckled softly, the sound sending shivers down my spine. The door opened and I heard some enter, a woman with the sound of her heels. I held my breath like it would help me vanish from the bathroom when the smell hit me. 

It was Aria's scent.

I raised a single finger to my lips, silently pleading for his silence when I noticed he opened his mouth to speak again. 

Alpha Darius's bulge wasn’t helping. I could feel his heart beating too. 

What the hell is even thinking?

I shot him a deadly glare but he grinned at me instead, wrapping his arms around me. I pushed against his chest, trying to create some space between us, but he didn't budge.

"Let me go," I mouthed to him. 

"Not a chance, Muffin," he mouthed back. 

A second later, the door creaked open again, and another person came in, his footsteps heavy on the tiled floor. I held my breath.

Shit. 

Kieran?

"Why did you call me here?" Kieran asked, in a hushed tone. 

Aria giggled softly, the sound irritating my nerves. "You know why," she purred. "I missed you and seeing you tonight makes me so wet."

“Was Aurora here?” Kieran asked. 

“A while ago probably,” Aria responded. 

Darius stiffened at her words, and I felt my face heat up in shame. He knew now. He knew what kind of mess I was in and the kind of man I settled for.  

Then we heard the rustle of fabric, followed by the unmistakable sound of lips meeting. My stomach churned, but I remained still, not having a choice but to listen. I could feel Darius's judging eye on me.

After a moment, Kieran pulled away. "We need to be careful. If anyone finds out…"

"No one will," Aria interrupted. "Aurora's clueless. I just wanted a few minutes with you."

“You're going to ruin your makeup” Kieran teased her.

“I don't care. I wanted you and I'm relieved I got the chance to” Aria said.

Darius’s eyes locked onto mine, wide with shock. I couldn't feel his bulge anymore, releasing me from his arms and giving me some space. My nails dug into my palms, and I clenched my jaw to keep from making a sound.

The conversation continued, with Kieran muttering something I couldn’t quite catch and Aria sighing. A moment later, the sound of the door opening as Kieran left. Some seconds after Aria left as well.

I let out the breath I had been holding. Thanks to the Moon Goddess, the toilet stall had a normal door. It was built in mind that werewolves were one horny bastard when they have their mates around. 

"Interesting" he murmured.

I swallowed hard, stepping away and turning toward the stall door. 

"Forget what you heard," I said as I walked out. "This has nothing to do with you."

Darius didn't move. 

"Doesn't it?" he asked. 

Ignoring him, I pushed open the stall door and stepped out. My mind was already racing, thinking of my next move.