Episode 12

...Brandon Scott...

When Amara heard Brandon volunteer to escort her to the infirmary, she tried to decline his kind offer, but he pretended not to hear and pulled her by the wrist all the way to the room he used within the academy's facility. Seeing the puzzled expression on her face, he explained why he had brought her to his room.

"I have a first aid kit in my desk drawer; it's a minor injury, we just need to clean the wound. And since you don't heal as quickly as the others, you might need a bandage."

"Now, sit while I take care of this for you."

Amara obediently took a seat in front of Brandon's desk. Silently, she observed him as he prepared everything needed for the dressing. Once everything was set, Brandon wheeled his chair closer to Amara, removed Max's shirt that was wrapped around her arm, and tossed it into the nearby bin, disgusted by the scent of its owner. While cleaning the wound, his curiosity got the better of him and he questioned Amara.

"Do you know Max well? I've seen you with him more than once," Brandon asked dangerously in his voice, but when he received no answer, he pressed the gauze into her wound, making her groan in pain.

"It was a simple question. Could you at least respond?"

Amara took a deep breath before answering, as the last thing she wished for was any closeness between them, with the events from the previous night hammering in her mind.

"I hardly know him."

"Even if you don't know him well, you seemed pretty close to him at that party, and today you looked close again."

"We're not close, and can you please finish this up? I still have other classes," she replied impatiently.

Brandon, still driven by jealousy, wasn't satisfied with her response. After he finished dressing the wound, he pulled her chair, forcing her to face him, which made Amara uncomfortable as her legs were now between his. Looking away trying to avoid his penetrating gaze, Brandon grasped her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. He moved closer, resting his forehead against hers, his fingers caressing her cheek, causing her to shiver. Seeing her reaction brought satisfaction to his lips. He inhaled the scent of her neck and whispered in her ear:

"Amara, tell me I'm not going mad. Admit that you feel this chemistry between us too. Don't try to tell me otherwise. Your body is saying you feel the same way. I can hear your heart race when I'm close; I see how your skin shivers at my touch."

Before Amara could respond, Brandon pulled her into a demanding kiss, his tongue seeking entrance eagerly. She tried to push him away but eventually succumbed to the kiss. She felt Brandon's tongue explore every part of her mouth; her body burned like embers, a thrilling spark running through her, producing a sensation she had never felt before. When Brandon finally released her lips, they were both breathless.

"Brandon, what are we doing?" a panting Amara asked.

"I'm still trying to figure it out," the Alpha responded, planting a kiss on the forehead of the girl before him.

"You better tidy up your appearance before you head back to class."

Amara only realized what Brandon meant when she reached the restroom and saw her reflection – tousled hair and lips red and swollen.

"That pervert," she murmured under her breath.

Only after adjusting her hair and washing her face did she return to class.

"..."

...Amara Follen...

After class, the girls and I decided to go shopping at the mall. Mia was all excited about it, but Kyra seemed distracted and kept giving me side-glances. She might still be feeling guilty about what happened at the cabin, despite my insistence that she forget it and move on, but I felt she wanted to tell me something, yet I didn't press her.

"Does your arm still hurt?" Kyra asked with concern.

"There's a slight burning sensation, but it's nothing I can't handle."

"Amara, have you noticed that ever since Lina found a way into the training, you've been dogged by bad luck?" Mia queried.

"You know, I hadn't put it together, but Mia might be right," Kyra chimed in.

"Actually, I hadn't noticed. My life has always been a string of bad luck," Amara responded.

"Amara? What a coincidence running into you here!" Max exclaimed, elated.

"Hi! Yeah, it is a coincidence."

"Let me introduce you; these are my friends, Kyra, the most talented witch I've met, and Mia, the most cheerful girl you'll encounter."

"Pleased to meet you, girls."

"Well, perhaps you can help me with a little problem," Max said, scratching his head bashfully.

"If it's within our power."

"I need to pick out a birthday present for my mom, and I'm clueless about what to choose. Could you help me?"

Catching Max's interested glance at Amara, Kyra decided it would be best for them to go alone.

"In that case, Amara should accompany you; she has the best taste of the three of us," Kyra suggested, nudging Mia subtly, who quickly caught on to her friend's intent.

"I too agree that Amara should be the one to go with you."

With no real choice, Amara agreed to help the young man find the present. They visited several stores until they finally found the perfect gift. Amara had chosen a bracelet that caught her eye the moment she saw it, picturing it as the ideal present for Max's mother, even without knowing her. In gratitude, he treated her to dinner at a restaurant near the mall and later offered her a ride back to the castle, as it was getting late.

As Amara stepped out of the car, Max bid her farewell with a peck on the cheek, which left her flustered. She then walked toward the gate, and just as her foot hit the ground inside the castle, a strong hand pulled at her arm, causing her to scream in fright.

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