Worthless to Priceless The Alpha’s Rejected Mate novel Chapter 52

AMELIA’S P.O.V

Even though I was exhausted the next morning, I still found myself feeling like I was floating through the clouds. I was on cloud nine and I felt invincible. It felt like there was nothing that could ruin my mood. My high spirits were so obvious that Clara teased me relentlessly all morning but it wasn’t enough to dissuade me.

I had my first training with the teenagers that morning. Unfortunately Ronald was not the one taking it but the instructor was really nice. It was more taxing than training with the kids and I was easily the weakest person in the group but I was confident it would get better. I left the field limping and with aching shoulders and thighs but my day still felt perfect.

“I’m worried about you,” Serena whispered snapping me out of my thoughts.

We were in the café because our class had been shifted. We were sipping coffees and trying to get a head start on the assignment that we had to submit in a week. Seeing as we always sat together, we were paired together for every group assignment.

“Why are you worried?” I asked in response to her question. “Is something wrong?”

“You’re too excited today,” she explained and I scrunched my brows. “You look like you’ve swallowed a rainbow or something. You were like this yesterday as well. Did something happen?”

I was about to tell her no but a buzzing from my phone distracted me. I pulled it out to see a text from Kaden that had me grinning from ear to ear. He had wished me luck in class today and although it was a simple message, my lower belly had erupted with butterflies.

“It is a guy, isn’t it,” Serena accused. “I thought I already warned you away from Aiden. He is bad news, the last thing you want to do is get involved with him.”

“What are you talking about? It isn’t Aiden.”

“That phone you’re holding isn’t even out yet. I know that because I have been saving up for when it drops next month. The only people who would be able to get access to it would be the top ranking families and I know for a fact that Aiden has an interest in you. I like you Amelia, that is the only reason I am telling you this. Stay away from him.”

“It is not Aiden,” I tried to assure her but I could see that she didn’t believe me. “I stay with the Beta’s family. They were the ones who gave me the phone. They’re a high ranking family. I had no idea the phone was so expensive.”

She still looked suspicious but my answer seemed to have relieved her of some of her suspicion because she nodded. She turned back to the papers in front of her but I didn’t want to let the conversation go so easily. There was a reason she was against Aiden so badly and I wanted to know why. I sensed bad blood between them and I knew it was greater than the general dislike.

“Is there a particular reason you hate Aiden?” I knew she heard my question because she froze but she did not lift her head to look at me. “I am grateful that you’re looking out for me but it just seems like there’s something going on between the both of you.”

As soon as my words were out of my mouth, she began to gather her things. I was dumbfounded for a second as I watched her. I tried to think back on my words in case there was anything I said that may have pissed her off but I couldn’t find a fault with my words.

“This is my fault. I should have never said anything,” she muttered under her breath. “Feel free to do whatever you want.”

“I wasn’t trying to call you a liar. Serena, I’m sorry, I’m just-”

I reached out for her but she pulled away from my grip. “You’re more than welcome to experiment with Aiden yourself. This is the last time I’ll try to help someone else.”

She stormed out of the café leaving me sitting there in silence and confusion. I could feel eyes on me as people tried to figure out what had just happened. I felt so self conscious that it only took me two minutes before I gathered my own things and left the café. I decided to finish my waiting in the library and I was on my way there when I noticed someone following me.

I glanced over my shoulder and noticed it was the men from the border. I hadn’t seen them in a while and I honestly forgot they existed until now. I could see them whispering to themselves and pointing in my direction so I sped up my walking. I didn’t know what they wanted but I also did not want to find out. The last thing I needed was to cause trouble.

I turned a corner sharply and I bumped into someone. Arms wrapped around my shoulders to keep me from falling and I looked up to see Aiden smiling down at me. I glanced over my shoulder only to see the men murmuring between themselves in disappointment. For a brief moment, I was relieved to be with Aiden.

“Are you okay?” he asked following my line of sight to the men. “Were they bothering you again? I could talk to them if you wanted.”

“No, I’m fine, can you just walk me to class?”

He smiled. “Of course.”

When class ended, I had Aiden walk me out again. He led me to the parking lot and I could hear people whispering as we passed them. I saw Serena and she was shaking her head in disappointment. I wanted to tell her that it wasn’t what she thought but she disappeared before I had the chance.

Aiden led me towards my car and I was shocked to see Clara standing in front of it. As far as I knew, she wasn’t having any classes. She smiled when she saw me but her smile fell when she noticed the person beside me. If Aiden noticed her swift change in expression, he didn’t comment on it. Instead, he walked me up to the driver’s side door.

“I’m assuming this is safe enough,” he said completely ignoring Clara. “I’ll see you next week, Amelia.”

He walked away and as soon as he was out of earshot, Clara grabbed my arm.