Chapter 36

"How was your class with Kat" Aiden says surprising her as he casually leans against the lockers. He smiled effortlessly at her in a way that made Lizzie's heart skip a beat.

Despite the chaos surrounding them as people scrambled from the lockers to the cafeteria, Aiden appeared completely at ease as if they were wrapped in their own little bubble completely separate from the world.

"Here" he says reaching over to grab her lunch before she has a chance to object.

She sends him a small smile, "Class was peaceful and productive, but only after the teacher quickly scolded her for talking to me".

"Let me guess, she had a million questions about our date yesterday".

A blush forms on Lizzie's cheeks, she was still processing the fact that she was dating Aiden Black, the Alpha of the Norhaven pack. There was still so much that she had to learn, including her role as Luna. The idea of caring for a pack of wolves was still completely foreign to her, but Aiden assured that she wouldn't have to worry about it until further down the track.

Lizzie closes her locker, looking up at Aiden, "I thought you would've told her?"

He chuckles, "And be stuck in a conversation filled with never-ending questions, I'd already planned to get some sleep after I returned home last night.

She sends him a look, "Thanks".

As they head towards the cafeteria, she notes that walking with Aiden was like walking with a bodyguard. People walked single file, some pressed against walls as they walked past. Nobody dared cut in front or squeeze past in fear of him.

As they entered the cafeteria, Aiden placed a gentle hand on her back, leading her towards their usual table. She couldn't help but lean into his touch, her lips tilting into a small smile.

Kat, Cassandra and Donovan happily greeted her as they arrived, she didn't bother glancing over at Jack, knowing that his permanent scowl still remained on his face.

"So Lizzie, we'll need to start preparing for the winter formal" Kat announced as Cassandra heaved a sigh.

Donovan mouthed the word 'Run' before he covered it with a cough as Kat sent him a pointed look.

"When is it?" She'd seen the posters around the school but hadn't paid any attention to them.

Kat stares at her eyes wide in disbelief, "It's this weekend, but don't worry we can go dress shopping tomorrow and I'll organise hair and makeup". She leans over the table to squeeze Lizzie's hands, "You're so lucky to have me as a friend"

Lizzie gulps, realising why Cassandra had sighed initially.

"Kat, I'm really sorry" Lizzie says allowing some element of sadness to seep into her voice. "I don't think I can go"

She prays that Kat accepts this an answer. "Nobody's asked me to attend"

"But" Kat says as she scrambles for an answer before her eyes fall on Aiden and Lizzie relinquishes all hope for a quiet night in.

"Aiden, will ask you right now"

"Hmm, I'm not sure Kat, it might be nice to spend some alone time with Elizabeth" He flicks his eyes over to hers that Lizzie can't help the nerves which settle at the bottom of her stomach.

Aiden had promised that he'd take things slowly, but despite the nerves Lizzie couldn't deny the excitement of spending some more time alone with Aiden.

"So what happens if someone else actually has the courage to ask Lizzie, I guess she'd be going with another male" Kat looks away innocently but she knew her words had found her mark.

She watches as Aiden tenses beside her, "Elizabeth will not be going with another male" he directs the words at Kat, his tone deathly leaving no room for further discussion.

"Perfect, I guess you'll be her partner for the winter formal" Kat smiles sweetly

Lizzie leans over and wraps a hand around Aiden's arm, "I wouldn't go with anyone other than you" Aiden's muscle's relax under her grip.

"I guess if we're going, it'll probably be necessary for Aiden's Beta to be there, in case something happens" Lizzie says looking over at Donovan. Aiden laughs his whole body relaxing as Donovan lets out an audible groan.

"Well if I'm going, guess who'll be joining.." Donovan goes to tickle Cassandra but pauses suddenly, his expression shifting to one of utter seriousness.

Lizzie turns to look at Aiden but his expression matched Donovans. Even Kat and Cassandra were quiet as if all of them were communicating. It immediately dawned on her that they were mind linking.

"What's happening"

Aiden's eyes flick towards her momentarily but his concentration doesn't waiver.

"Kat, tell me what's going on" But Kat doesn't appear to even hear her, her face turning paler as if she'd just heard terrible news.

Lizzie's frustration grows, gritting her teeth she slams her hand on the table attracting the attention of people nearby. It's enough to startle everyone on the table, as they turn to look at her.

"Stop mind-linking and tell me what's going on"

Shock colours Aiden's face, this was something he hadn't yet explained to her.

"How the hell do you know that" Jack snarls his eyes narrowed as if he's waiting for her to reveal that she's been a spy this entire time"

She ignores Jack's question, turning to look at Aiden "What's happening"

"How do you know about mindlinking?" Aiden repeats Jack's question, Lizzie's heart drop at the doubt lingering on his face.

He still didn't trust her, despite being his mate, the shock must've echoed on her face. Aiden goes to grab her hand in comfort but Lizzie pulls away slightly earning a possessive growl from him.

"Henry told me in my last phone call to him" she says holding his stare.

Aiden's eyes soften apologetically before his face turns serious again, his eyes distant.

"We need to go" he orders, swiftly standing up, with Donovan and Jack. The scrape of chairs echoes throughout the cafeteria and Lizzie is surprised to find almost half of the cafeteria stand all looking towards Aiden.

She hadn't realised how many of her class mates were werewolves.

Before Aiden leaves, he turns looking at Jack,

"You need to stay here with Elizabeth"

"What" Jack scowls, pinning her with a death stare as if she'd orchestrated everything.

"Kat and Cassandra can protect her"

"Just like they did last time, look how that turned out"

Aiden turns to Kat who conveniently is looking elsewhere.

Jack goes to argue but Aiden interrupts using his full alpha authority that even Lizzie shudders.

"You will guard Elizabeth with your life, do not make me question your role as third in command"

Jack respectfully bows but he doesn't hide his displeasure with his fingers clenched into fists by his side.

Aiden turns looking at Lizzie, "Stay with Jack, I'll be back soon, promise" He leans in brushing a kiss to her cheek.

With a wink to Cassandra, Donovan follows behind Aiden which is quickly accompanied by the remaining wolves in the school.

The remaining students and teachers were wise enough not to interject, casually resuming their conversation as the last wolf leaves through the cafeteria. Lizzie doesn't have a moment to process as rough calloused fingers grip her hand jolting her forward.

"Let's go" Jack grunts, pulling Lizzie through the cafeteria.

"Where are we going" Lizzie asks, she turns behind her to plead for help from Kat and Cassandra but they only mouth the word 'sorry' as she's forced forward even harder.

'Pathetic human' Jack mutters

Knowing it would be futile to fight, Lizzie blindly follows Jack as he leads her to his car, shoving her inside.

As Jack hops in and starts the engine, Lizzie eyes the door handle, knowing one push and she ...

"If you even attempt to escape, I'll drag you back by your hair"

"Aiden will have your head" Lizzie snaps back

Jack chuckles, "Aiden will finally come to his senses and choose a more suitable mate"

Lizzie's lips slip into a thin line, "You're never going to give me a chance are you"

"Why would I ever give Everdale scum a chance"

Lizzie grits her teeth, her anger rising.

"I wasn't the cause of your sister's death you know" Lizzie mutters under her breath.

Without warning Lizzie is jolted forward as Jack slams on the brakes.

"What did you say" Jack demands, his voice low

Lizzie tries to calm her racing heart, instantly regretting her words.

"I didn't mean it" Lizzie whispers

Get out" Jack snarls his voice death cold

"Jack I ...."

"Get out" Jack screams

Lizzie can't reach for the door handle fast enough. She jumps out of the car as Jack speeds off.

"Shit" Lizzie mutters, she couldn't believe she'd let Jack rile her enough that she brought up his dead sister. What was wrong with her.

Thankfully, she wasn't too far from home. Lizzie begins walking, the cool breeze raking through her hair that Lizzie wished she'd worn a beanie.

Lizzie had a feeling that Jack and her would never see eye to eye. Despite being Aiden's mate and his future Luna, Lizzie knew that Jack would never respect her.

Her phone buzzes breaking Lizzie out of her thoughts. Kat's name appears on the screen.

"I'm sorry about Jack but it's not safe at home. Can you make it to our house"

Jack must've must've mindlinked her, Lizzie could think of no other way that Kat could've known.

She releases her sigh as she types back. Despite wanting to head home, Lizzie knew from Aiden's anxious state in the cafeteria that something terrible was happening. She prays it wasn't another rogue attack, next time she'd demand he'd tell her. She was tired of being left in the dark.

"I'll be there in 10" Lizzie types back

Lizzie turns around as her phone buzzes again.

"I won't be there till later, but Jack will be home, he should stay in his bedroom. Feel free to hang out in Aiden's room"

Lizzie tries to quell her nerves as she rereads Kat's text. It'll be fine as long as she stays in her room, she wouldn't need to interact with Jack.

Without giving it another thought, Lizzie turns around and begins the walk to Aiden's house.

"