Chapter 8:Not a damsel in distress

Chapter 8:Not a damsel in distress

Leo slid his hands into his pockets like had not just beaten off two dudes mercilessly.

“If I ever see you near Aria again,you both might fucking lose your arms.Now get lost,” he said through gritted teeth.

Fear flickered in the bullies' eyes as they quickly retreated, their egos deflated. As they disappeared into the distance, Leo turned to Aria, concern etched on his face.

"Those assholes.Are you okay? Did they hurt you?" he asked, his voice gentle yet filled with a fierce protectiveness.

Aria nodded, her breaths coming in ragged gasps. "Thank you,”

She looked down at her shaking hands,the claws she had seen had disappeared. Did she imagine that or did it really happen ?

Leo's gaze softened, his hand reaching out to comfort her. "You don't have to thank me. But why are you here this late though? This area is usually not safe at night. What were you fucking thinking?”

"Leo, I appreciate your help, but I want you to know that I didn't need saving," Aria said firmly, her voice laced with determination. "I'm not a damsel in distress. I can handle myself."

Leo sighed, his eyes holding a hint of exasperation. "I know you're strong, Aria, and I admire that about you. But sometimes, even the strongest of us need a helping hand. I was just looking out for you."

Aria crossed her arms, her skepticism evident. "And why exactly are you so concerned about me? We barely know each other."

Leo's expression softened, his voice gentle. "Because I see something in you, Aria. Something special. And call it instinct or whatever you want, but I can't just let you face danger alone."

“Well just like I said,I had it under control,”

“Had it under control?” He scoffed.”You don’t know how crazy those bullies could have gotten. And you’re a woman! You got any way to defend yourself?”

“Excuse me,so what if I am a woman? Does it mean that I am weak and vulnerable? Who told you I wasn’t capable of handling the situation just because I am a woman?” She added the last part with an air quote.

He explained,“That’s not what I meant. A woman walking alone at this time of the night is something that make those fuckers interested. Besides,you are still a freshman. And they like to pick on unsuspecting ladies who happens to be freshmen. They are fucking bastards.”

“How did you even find me in the first place?” She demanded.”Are you stalking me now or something?”

“I just happened to be passing by and then I found you.”

His wolf was excited everytime she was near and somehow he wanted to be around her all the time. He wanted to make sure she was safe at every given time. But of course,he could not reveal that to her or she would be creeped out instantly.

“You are always passing by, mr passer-by. You don’t happen to pass by other ladies? Just me?”

“You should be wiser next time,” he answered,ignoring her question.”It isn’t safe here at night. I know the library is just around the corner but this place is secluded.That was a close call. Lord knows what would have happened if I hadn’t arrived here on time.”

He had a slight frown on his face.

What the hell was frowning for? It wasn’t her fault that it happened!

“I had it under control,” she said,her lips pressed into a thin line.

“Oh really?” He arched a skeptical brow.”You had no chance against those two. Unless maybe you knew karate or had a fucking gun or some kind of weapon for self defense. Is it any of the above?”

She silently looked at him,realizing somehow he was right.

“I thought as much,” he spoke again.”Now,let’s go.” He held her by the wrist and she carefully removed her wrist from his gentle grip.

“Uh..where are we going?” She questioned.

“To your house of course. My car is parked just by the road. I’ll drive you.”

It sounded more like a command than a request and Aria was having none of it.

“No thanks but I am actually fine. I would just continue my walk or get a taxi. My house isn’t far from here anyway.”

“Aria,I am not letting you out of my sight,” he said firmly,his blue eyes staring deep into hers.

Talk about some real protective boyfriend that he wasn’t!

“Well?” He asked a little impatiently as she was staring at him for too long.

“How do I know it is safe to get in with you?” She asked,narrowing her eyes at him.

“Well I just saved you,princess. What other proof do you need?” He scowled at her.

Yeah right,he totally did save her though.

Aria's defenses wavered for a moment as she studied Leo's earnest gaze. Reluctantly, she nodded. "Fine, but I can walk home by myself."

Leo shook his head, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Stubborn as ever, huh? Just let me drop you home, Aria. It's the least I can do after everything that happened."

With a sigh of resignation, Aria agreed, realizing that arguing further would be futile. As Leo led her to his car, her eyes widened at the sight before her. It was a sleek, expensive blue Aventador that exuded luxury. Aria couldn't help but feel a pang of self-consciousness, suddenly aware of her own humble background.

Leo held the door open for her, a gesture that both surprised and touched her. She climbed into the car, her movements stiff, and Leo gracefully slid into the driver's seat. As he reached over to help her with the seat belt, a jolt of electricity seemed to pass between them, causing her heart to skip a beat.

“Why are you so close to me all of a sudden?” She asked in a small voice.

“Seatbelt,Aria. Just making sure you are safe.” He replied. She gulped hard and said nothing as he withdrew to his own seat.

The engine purred to life, and they set off in silence, the weight of the recent events still hanging in the air. Aria directed Leo toward her house, the tension gradually easing as the distance closed between them.

After a few moments, soft music filled the car, a soothing melody that resonated with Aria's soul. She found herself swaying slightly to the rhythm, a sense of calm seeping into her bones.

"You have great taste in music," Aria commented, breaking the silence.

Leo glanced at her with a hint of a smile. "I'm glad you like it. Music has a way of connecting people, you know?"

As they neared her house, Aria's apprehension resurfaced.These days,she dreaded coming home hoping she didn’t get out of control somehow and her parents find out she had been bitten. The worse part was that she did not know when exactly she was going to turn and that as scary as hell.

“You live in a fucking mansion! Had no idea that you were this rich.” Leo commented.

"Yeah, well, looks can be deceiving. Money doesn't define who I am."

She knew none of that belonged to her. She came from a humble background and even with all the luxury she was accustomed to now,it all still felt it wasn’t hers.

Well cause it wasn’t.

Leo parked the car and turned to face her, his gaze warm and sincere. "Aria, I never thought otherwise. I've never been one to judge based on material things. It's the person that matters to me."

Aria nodded, acknowledging his words with a small smile. "Thank you,Leo. You are not such an asshole after all.”

“Hey! I was never an asshole. I did the saving from the assholes remember?”

She shook her head with a tiny smile.

As she made her way to leave, Leo hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Can I have your number, Aria? Just in case, you know, we run into trouble again or if you ever need someone to talk to."

Aria's smile faltered, and she shook her head. "I'm sorry, Leo, but I am not one of those girls. Just because you saved me doesn’t mean you are somehow entitled to my number now.”

“What? I just wanna talk to you rather than just in school.”

“Sorry again,but it wouldn’t come easy for ya.”

Leo's expression flickered with disappointment, but he nodded understandingly. "I respect your decision, Aria. If you ever change your mind, know that I'm here.”

Leo was relentless. He wasn’t going to stop until he showed her that he could trust him.

With a polite thank you, Aria stepped out of the car. She hurried towards her front door, glancing back briefly to find Leo still watching her. She offered a small wave before disappearing inside, leaving him behind.

As she entered her home, Aria found Chloe standing there,scowling at her. She almost jumped.

“What the hell Chloe!”

Chloe studied her for a moment,with a suspecting gaze.

Oh God,did she know something? Had she figured it out already?

“I know who you are,Aria.” Chloe started.