Alpha Xander's Undoing Chasing my Unknown Mate Back novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17

‘Rory‘

Matt has been… hovering..

I don’t know if it was the scare of my almost death, but ever since that night in the Deserted Lands, he had been close.

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Too close.

I was used to him showing up at my door in the mornings with a milkshake, smoothie, or coffee, that had been routine for weeks now. But now? Now he was waiting for me after every class, walking me to lunch, showing up when I least expected it.

Matt was everywhere.

Not that I didn’t like his company. He was refreshing, a much–needed contrast from the glares and hisses I received from Xander throughout the days.

Definitely back to hating each other.

But I had a feeling Xander put him up to it.

First, he assigned Matt to be my personal daily poisoner.

Second, Matt had become my bodyguard.

Great.

Xander was convinced someone was trying to kill me, and he was still pissed that he had no choice but to allow Matt to continue giving me the medicine so I didn’t die.

I had a feeling Xander was angrier at the world than he was at me, and quite frankly? It was refreshing.

So as much as I didn’t want to go to this party today, exactly one week after finding out that I was not only being given wolfsbane but was literally thrown to the dogs, the party was a welcomed distraction.

Mona was buzzing with excitement as she did my makeup, her own already finished, dramatic and bold, carrying out the green in her eyes behind her stylish frames.

“Do I really need all of this?” I muttered, shifting slightly as she applied a shimmery highlight to my cheekbones.

“Yes,” she said flatly, blending aggressively. “You need to look hot, even if you don’t plan on getting laid. Unlike me.”

I rolled my eyes, but couldn’t suppress my grin.

“Is your plan still intact?” I asked.

Mona wiggled her brows. “Oh, absolutely. By sunrise, will be waking up in someone’s else bed that isn’t yours. Sorry babe.”

I snorted.

She finished my makeup with a final flourish before stepping back to admire her work. “There. Perfect.”

I glanced at myself in the mirror, taking in the smoky eyes and glossy lips, my curly hair bulled in a high ponytail that pulled at the edges of my face, giving me a more mature look.

I looked… different. But good.

More alive.

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Chapter 17

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The black dress that hugged every curve of my body, and was far too small to contain my breasts told me that Mona had plans for me to get laid tonight,

too, even if I didn’t.

The party was in full swing by the time we arrived, music booming, bodies pressing together in a blur of movement and heat.

It was being held at a hangout spot a few minutes away from the academy, since these events were strictly prohibited unless it was actually being held by the academy. And let’s face it, the academy was never going to host something like… this.

Mona ditched me the second we arrived, and Dhara didn’t even enter the spot fully. She stayed on the outskirts.

I scanned the crowd, half–expecting to see Xander lurking in the shadows, arms crossed, glaring.

But he wasn’t here.

Instead, I was greeted with Matt’s easy grin, but this time, there was something different in his gaze.

His eyes scanned me, lingering a little too long on my face, my lips, then drifting downward, his gaze heating as it took in my dress, and the way it hugged

my curves.

His jaw tightened slightly, and for a brief second, his usual carefree expression faltered–as if something had just occurred to him, something he wasn’t sure he should be thinking.

“You look…” His voice dropped low, almost too low over the pounding music. “Beautiful.”

I swallowed, suddenly hyperaware of the way his fingers brushed mine as he handed me a drink.

Then, as if realizing he had let too much slip, he shook his head slightly, exhaling a quiet laugh, his usual smirk reappearing.

And just like that, whatever moment had passed between us was gone.

“You seem tense,” he said, tilting his head. “Relax, Rory. No one’s trying to kill you tonight, even if we’re not exactly in the academy walls. Out here is safe. It’s a section of land where we run sometimes. Loosen up.” He flashed me one of his genuine smiles.

I laughed, but it wasn’t entirely genuine.

“I’ll try.”

Matt chuckled, leaning against a nearby tree, his presence comfortable. Safe. His eyes flicked to mine, amusement dancing in them as he took a slow sip

of his drink.

“Not really your scene, huh?” he mused, his voice still smooth and barely audible over the pulsing bass of the music.

Thuffed out a small laugh. “Not really. I mean, I get the appeal, but I guess I’m just… not in the party mood.”

Matt’s gaze softened, and for a moment, it felt like he was studying me, trying to piece something together. Then, just like that, his usual charming smirk. slid back into place.

“Well, that just means I’m not doing my job right.” He tilted his head toward the dance floor, where people moved in a chaotic blur of motion and heat. “C’mon, Rory. One dance. Let’s see if I can get you to loosen up.”

I hesitated, but before I could come up with an excuse, he grabbed my hand, his touch warm, insistent but not forceful. “No arguments,” he murmured, his lips twitching. “I’m making it my personal mission to see you have fun tonight.”

“I-“I started, but before I could finish, he pulled me toward the dance floor.

At first, I was stiff, my body unsure, my limbs unwilling to follow the rhythm of the music. But Matt’s grip on my waist was gentle yet firm, guiding me effortlessly.

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11:10

AU

Chapter 17

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