An unexpected splash
777 Words
Aria flopped onto her bed, phone pressed against her ear while staring at the ceiling.
I still can't believe you're living in a mansion, Lara's voice came through.
Trust me, it's not as exciting as it sounds.
Really?
Really.
So... how's the famous stepbrother?
Aria rolled her eyes even though Lara couldn't see her.
He's annoying.
That's not what I asked.
She stayed quiet for a second.
Lara gasped dramatically.
No way...
What?
He's handsome, isn't he?
Aria sighed.
...Maybe.
Maybe?
Fine. He's handsome.
Very handsome.
Lara laughed so loudly Aria had to pull the phone away from her ear.
I knew it!
Don't get excited.
Just because he's handsome doesn't mean I like him.
Why not?
He's so full of himself. You should've seen the way he was teasing me this morning. Like he owns the whole world.
Well... technically—
Don't finish that sentence.
Lara laughed again.
So you're saying he's handsome, confident, rich and annoying.
Exactly.
Sounds like the main character in one of those romance books you read.
I'm hanging up.
No, wait—
Before Lara could finish, loud cheering echoed from outside.
Music followed.
Then another burst of laughter.
Aria frowned.
What's all that noise?
I don't know. Let me check.
She walked over to the balcony and looked down.
The huge swimming pool behind the mansion was filled with people.
Mostly boys.
Some were already in the water while others sat around the pool with drinks in their hands.
In the middle of all the chaos...
Kael.
He was laughing with his friends, his black T-shirt long gone, leaving him in nothing but swim shorts.
Aria blinked.
Then immediately looked away.
Lara?
Yeah?
I'll call you back.
Ooooh...
Bye.
She ended the call before Lara could tease her again.
Still annoyed by the noise, Aria marched downstairs and headed toward the backyard.
None of them noticed her at first.
The music was too loud.
She crossed her arms.
Excuse me.
Nothing.
Excuse me!
A few heads turned.
Kael looked over his shoulder.
Oh.
It's you.
She frowned.
Can you guys lower the music?
One of the boys grinned.
Bossy already.
People live here.
Kael shrugged.
Last time I checked... I live here too.
That doesn't mean you have to be so loud.
He stepped closer.
And who made you the noise police?
Who made you king of the mansion?
His friends let out a chorus of amused whistles.
Kael smirked.
Careful.
You seem very brave today.
Maybe because you're very annoying today.
Only today?
She tried to walk past him.
He stepped sideways.
She moved the other way.
So did he.
Are you seriously blocking my way?
Maybe.
Move.
Make me.
She gave him a light shove.
He wasn't expecting it.
His foot slipped on the wet tiles.
Instinctively, he grabbed the nearest thing to stop himself.
Unfortunately...
That thing was Aria.
Her eyes widened.
Wait—
Splash!
The two of them crashed into the pool together.
Water exploded everywhere.
For a moment...
Everything went silent.
Aria resurfaced first, coughing as she pushed her wet hair out of her face.
Kael came up right in front of her.
They were so close their faces were only inches apart.
His hand was still around her waist.
Neither of them moved.
Neither of them spoke.
Kael stared into her eyes as if he had forgotten where he was.
His breathing slowed.
His chest tightened.
Something inside him was screaming.
It wasn't painful.
It was... familiar.
Like he had been searching for something his entire life without knowing it.
Aria couldn't look away either.
Those dark eyes...
Why did it suddenly feel like the whole world had disappeared?
The music.
The water.
The people.
Everything faded.
It was just the two of them.
Then—
Oooooooh!
One of Kael's friends burst into laughter.
Bro, you fell for your stepsister already?
Another one laughed.
Guess the pool needed a romantic scene.
The others joined in, laughing and throwing jokes at them.
Aria's face burned with embarrassment.
She quickly pushed Kael away.
You're unbelievable.
Without waiting for a reply, she climbed out of the pool, her clothes dripping with water.
Ignoring the laughter behind her, she stormed back into the house.
She didn't stop until she reached her room, slamming the door shut.
Leaning against it, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
Why did that feel... different?
Outside, the laughter slowly died down.
Kael was still standing in the pool, staring at the place where Aria had disappeared.
His friends kept talking.
But he didn't hear a single word.
For the first time in years...
His wolf had whispered only one thing.
Mine.
- Writer
