Fated To The Alpha’s Heart

ChapterThree

Kiara's POV

After English class, I walked down the stairs, my mind still replaying moments from the lesson, when I saw Kelvin coming up toward me. He was dressed in his basketball jersey, the deep blue fabric clinging to his frame and highlighting his toned physique. The jersey showed off his broad shoulders and muscular arms.

He looked ten times hotter, and I couldn't help but stare at his athletic build, my steps slowing unconsciously. Lost in my admiration, I didn't notice my classmate Dustin sticking out his leg, trying to trip me. I didn't see it coming. My feet flew out from under me, and I landed on the stairs with a thud, pain shooting through my ankle. My soccer jersey bunched up at my back, and I felt the rough texture of the stairs against my skin.

"Ow!" I gasped, mortification washing over me as laughter erupted around me. Kelvin, who was close by, hurried over, taking the stairs two at a time. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked, with a worried look creasing his forehead.

I nodded, though my ankle throbbed painfully. I was sure my face was as red as a tomato. "Y-yeah, I'm fine," I said, trying to sound convincing even though I was clearly not fine.

Kelvin smiled and held out his hand. "Here, let me help you."

He smiled. He actually smiled. Kelvin was smiling at me.

My brain short-circuited. I'd never seen him smile before, not once in five months, and now he was smiling at me, his expression transforming from cold and distant to warm and... beautiful. I hesitated before taking his hand, my heart hammering in my chest. I couldn't believe my clumsiness had led to this embarrassing moment, but I was grateful for Kelvin's kindness.

I was also surprised to see this side of him; he was always cold, yet now he was smiling. And damn, that was probably the prettiest smile I had ever seen. It lit up his entire face, softening his sharp features and making his blue eyes sparkle.

As I stood, Dustin snickered behind me. "Looks like someone's got a crush!" he called out in a singsong voice, causing a few other students to laugh.

My face flushed even redder, but Kelvin just shot him a warning glance, a look so intense that Dustin immediately shut up and looked away before turning back to me. "You sure you're okay?" he asked again, his voice softer this time, genuine concern evident in his tone.

"I... I think I sprained my ankle," I admitted, wincing as I tried to put weight on it. Pain shot up my leg, and I had to grab the railing for support.

This wasn't how our love story was supposed to start, but I was glad he stayed to check on me instead of walking away like he had before.

"Let me take a look," he said, crouching down. His voice was gentle for the first time since I'd met him, a stark contrast to the cold indifference he usually displayed.

I couldn't believe this was happening. I paused for a moment before nodding, still processing the fact that Kelvin—cold, distant Kelvin—was actually helping me. He carefully lifted my foot, his touch surprisingly gentle, and it sent shivers running down my spine. His hands were warm, steady, and I could feel the calluses on his palms from basketball.

"It's not too bad," he said after examining it. "But you should probably ice it to prevent swelling."

I nodded, a feeling of disappointment settling in my chest; our time together was ending too soon. This brief moment of connection was about to be over, and we'd go back to being strangers who shared a classroom.

Then, out of nowhere, he offered to carry me to the school nurse's office.

I would be lying if I said that didn't surprise me. My eyes widened, and I stared at him in disbelief.

"I'm fine, I promise. You don't have to," I said, embarrassed at the thought of being carried. I couldn't even imagine being in his arms, being that close to him. My heart was already racing just from him touching my ankle.

Kelvin just smiled again, that same beautiful smile that made my insides turn to jelly. Before I could protest further, he lifted me up with ease, one arm supporting my back and the other under my knees, as if I weighed nothing at all.

"I've got you," he said, his voice soft and calm, reassuring.

With each step he took, my heart pounded a little harder. I could feel the strength in his arms, the steady rhythm of his breathing, the warmth of his body against mine. His scent surrounded me, and I felt dizzy with how close we were.

Students in the hallway stopped and stared, some whispering, some taking pictures with their phones. But I didn't care. In that moment, wrapped in Kelvin's arms, nothing else mattered.

This was the closest I'd ever been to him, and I never wanted it to end.

As he carried me through the hallway, I couldn't help but feel a flutter in my chest. My face heated with embarrassment, and I couldn't stop blushing. All eyes were on us as we passed, and I could hear the murmurs of the other students. But none of it mattered; it was like a dream come true. I was in the arms of my Prince Charming, and nothing else existed.

I took the moment to inhale his sweet scent, closing my eyes as it soothed my nerves. His scent was impossible to resist; it made my heart race, even as my body eased into his strong arms.

As we reached the nurse's office, Kelvin helped me onto the bench. "Are you alright?" he asked softly.

I nodded. "Yeah, thanks," I murmured.

Kelvin gave me a gentle smile and handed me an ice pack. "Keep this on your ankle," he said.

The nurse came over to examine me, and Kelvin stood up. I turned to thank him, but he was already gone. I didn't even see him leave. I felt a slight sense of disappointment, but it was quickly replaced by the excitement of having been in his arms. I didn't care about my throbbing ankle; I was just happy to have had the chance to hold onto Kelvin and breathe in his scent. I was grateful for that moment, no matter how brief.

Later, as I walked back from the nurse's office, I limped due to the persistent pain. I made my way to Kelvin's table, my heart still racing. I felt the need to thank him again, to let him know I was truly grateful.

"Hey, I just wanted to say thank you for helping me earlier," I said.

But Kelvin ignored me completely. He continued flipping through his book, his eyes never leaving the pages.

"Okay," he said, his voice cold and distant.

Yes, that was the voice I remembered—cold. How could I have forgotten? This was the Kelvin I knew.

A sting of rejection settled in my chest, but I tried again. "How's your day going?" I asked, trying to make small talk.

He shrugged, still not looking at me. "Good."

I hesitated, feeling discouraged. "Well, thanks again for your help. My leg is feeling better now."

He grunted, his eyes still fixed on his book. "Good."

I realized that this was just how Kelvin was—cold and distant. He had been like this since he transferred to our school, and I had foolishly thought our moment in the hallway would change things. But now I saw that it had been fleeting, and he was back to his usual self.

I nodded, feeling disheartened as I walked away. As I returned to my seat, I couldn't help but wonder why Kelvin was so closed off, so unwilling to connect with anyone. I knew I couldn't force him to open up, and I couldn't keep trying to break down his walls. I needed to let go of whatever fantasies I had about him. I thought I already had, but he made me feel like I still had a chance. How foolish of me to believe anything could happen between us.

While I was lost in my thoughts, Dustin suddenly appeared and knelt in front of me.

"I'm sorry, Kiara. I didn't mean to make you fall," he said, his whole body covered in sweat and trembling.

I was stunned, and so was the rest of the class; everyone was staring. Dustin always teased me, and I usually ignored him, so why did he look so scared? Maybe he thought I was seriously hurt.

"It's okay. I'm fine," I said, trying to help him up, but he refused, gripping my legs tightly.

I was taken aback, and the murmurs in the room grew louder.

What the hell happened to him?

"Please, tell me you forgive me," he begged, his voice shaking.

I crouched down to his level. "It's okay, Dustin. Knowing you regret it is enough for me. I forgive you, okay?"

"Thank you," he said, finally standing up. Then he glanced at Kelvin, who still hadn't looked up and remained engrossed in his book.

"Thanks for forgiving me, Kiara," he said before walking out of the classroom.

Well, that was strange.