Chapter 7

Elena's POV:

We found an empty carrel in a quiet corner of the library, but I couldn't focus. The words in my textbook blurred together. All I could see was Rick Miller's cold, brown eyes. All I could smell was that hauntingly familiar scent of pine and storm.

Blair tapped my arm with her pen, a smirk playing on her lips. "Earth to Elena. Still recovering from your close encounter with his royal hotness?"

I shot her a glare. "I'm recovering from the stench of his ego."

She leaned forward, dropping her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Seriously, though. You can't deny he's gorgeous. Half the girls at this school would kill to be his Luna."

"Luna?" I frowned. "He's from a pack?"

Blair nodded, her eyes wide with the thrill of gossip. "Of course. The Millers are one of the most powerful packs in the state. Rick is the sole heir. Future Alpha."

The information only confirmed my opinion of him. A spoiled "Alpha-hole," born into power he didn't deserve.

Blair studied my disgusted expression, and a wicked glint appeared in her eyes. "You know, you two would be perfect for each other. The rebellious she-wolf who refuses to be tamed, and the overbearing Alpha King who wants to control everything. It's practically a cliché."

I was so stunned by the suggestion I could only stare at her. Then I grabbed my heavy psychology textbook, raising it threateningly. "Blair Hale, if you don't take that back, I will find a way to make you eat this book."

She laughed, ducking away. "Don't be so dramatic! Who knows, maybe he's your Fated Mate? Now *that* would be a story."

"Impossible!" The denial was sharp and immediate. "The Moon Goddess would never be that cruel. My mate will not be an arrogant jerk like him." My idea of a mate was shaped by my parents-a partnership built on mutual respect and gentle affection. Rick Miller was the antithesis of that.

In my head, Lyra let out a soft growl of protest, as if she disagreed, but I forcefully ignored her.

Seeing that I was genuinely angry, Blair held up her hands in surrender. "Okay, okay! I was just kidding. I take it back."

She waited for me to lower my textbook before her expression turned sly. "But enough about you," she said, her voice dropping to a purr. "You haven't asked me about my love life at all lately."

It was a blatant, but effective, attempt to change the subject. I took the bait. I raised an eyebrow, playing along. "Oh? And does the lovely Miss Hale have a secret admirer?"

A faint blush crept up her neck, a rare sight for the usually confident Blair. My curiosity was officially piqued.

"None of your business," she mumbled, suddenly shy.

"Oh, it is absolutely my business," I leaned closer, lowering my voice. "Who is he? Is he from school? Do I know him?"

Her eyes darted around the library, avoiding my gaze. "He's... not from around here."

"From back home, then? Someone from the pack?" I guessed.

She shook her head, and her expression shifted into something I'd never seen on her before. It was a mixture of shyness, reverence, and pure, unadulterated awe. Whoever this guy was, he was a big deal.

"Come on, spill it," I urged.

She took a deep breath, as if preparing to confess a world-altering secret. She glanced around one last time to make sure no one was listening, then leaned in so close her lips were almost touching my ear.

"He's... someone we can only look up to."

My own breath hitched in anticipation. I waited.

Blair's eyes were shining like she was gazing at the stars as she whispered the title.