Alpha Aria

Chapter 4- Mate?

**DIEGO**

When I got home from Aria's I found my mom in the living room, sitting in her easy chair and knitting. I gave her a slight nod hello as I passed her to go up the stairs. I saw her frown out of the corner of my eyes and before my feet even reached the first step, she asked, "Diego what's wrong? How is Aria? Your father told me what happened this morning."

Concern flooded her voice, and I turned to face her. How was it that moms always knew when something was up? I knew that there was no use obfuscating. My mother was far too sharp and would know. So I decided to be as honest as I could without telling her too much.

"She's okay now, mami. Just some stitches and no concussion. But I'm tired and was just about to head to bed."

She scrunched up her forehead, scanning my face for more information, and waited for me to elaborate. When I didn't and instead turned to go upstairs she let out a frustrated sigh. I padded up the stairs quickly, surprised but relieved she hadn't tried to pry further.

When I got to my room,I peeled off my clothes and tossed them in the laundry hamper. I went to the bathroom and turned on the water in the shower, and while I waited for it to warm up, I brushed my teeth. Testing the water and determining it was perfect, I stepped in and let the hot water spray onto my back, melting my tight muscles. I had been holding myself stiffly all evening. The water felt great and I could almost relax enough to stop thinking about Aria.

Almost.

I've been doing a lot of it lately. In fact, she crossed my mind so often it was getting out of hand. I was starting to feel like a creepy stalker or something.

When that girl Zoe had treated Aria so badly and I saw the look of hurt in her eyes, it had killed me inside. My wolf, Dante, had snarled in my head. He wanted to tear off Zoe's limbs. All I wanted to do was pull Aria into my arms and tell her how amazing and wonderful she is. How beautiful she is. How being near her makes my throat close, and how her smile takes my breath away. How I want to lean over and place my mouth on her perfect lips to see how she tastes…

I shook my head as if physically shaking her from my mind and groaned. Looking down, I could see that my thoughts had affected me greatly. Well, there is only one way to take care of that. I grasped onto my length and stroked away, thoughts of Aria floating through my mind. It didn't take too long to find release and clean up was a snap in the shower.

Later in the evening when I was settled in bed, I closed my eyes and tried to sleep. Unfortunately, slumber was elusive. I kept seeing Aria's beautiful face smiling, her deep green eyes twinkling. I kept hearing her adorable laugh.

These feelings I was going through had plagued me for the last 2 years, but they were getting stronger the more time went by. It had all started when I turned 16 and I had my first shift. After the transformation rite was complete the first thing I did was go to Aria's house to tell her all about it. After all, I'm a month older than her so her transformation ritual would be next, and she wanted to know all about mine so she could be prepared.

When she opened the door and her sweet familiar scent hit my newly enhanced olfactory senses, I got lightheaded. My stomach fluttered nervously and I was speechless. She looked at me strangely, like she was trying to figure out what I was thinking, and it was then that I suddenly realized she was beautiful. I mean, of course I always logically knew my best friend was beautiful, but this time it was different. It was like I was seeing her for the first time. Could it be? Could she be... Mate?

Dante was wagging his tail excitedly, but neither of us could be sure until she had her first shift. I swallowed, cleared my throat and stuttered out some random stupid thing. I don't even remember what it was. She laughed, Goddess that really was adorable, and pulled me into her home by the hand, demanding to know all about my experience. I swore I felt tingles at her touch.

A month later, I was giddy with excitement. She was going to get her wolf, she would realize we were mates, and we would live happily ever after. Dante and I were so sure she was the one.

Only, she didn't get it that month. Or the month after. Or the month after that one. I wanted to tell her my suspicions about her being my mate, but I didn't want to screw our friendship up over us being potential mates. What would happen if she got her wolf and we weren't? Everything would be so messed up. I couldn't stand the thought of losing her.

So I learned to shove my feelings down deep. Since then I've waited hopefully every month for her wolf to come. But it hasn't happened. It might never happen, but I am really hoping she gets it this weekend.

Being with her every day is torture. It is getting harder and harder to avoid my feelings. To disguise them. Because there was one thing I was without a doubt certain of, and it was that I was completely, gobsmackingly, ridiculously, entirely head over heels in love with my best friend. Mate or not, she was everything to me.

I tossed and turned for what felt like hours until finally, blessedly, I passed out, after sending the moon goddess Selene a prayer.

Please let her get her wolf, it would make her so happy. And maybe also, could you let her be my mate.

******

"You're far away today." Aria signed. We were in our last class of the day, which happened to be my best subject, art. We were sitting at our usual table, working on our final projects of the year. We were supposed to make an original piece in the styling of a famous artist in history. I had chosen to make my piece like Paul Gauguin. Aria had chosen Frida Kahlo. I was so engrossed in my work that I didn't notice her signing to me. She elbowed me gently in the side and threw me a slightly annoyed glare, and repeated her statement. "You're far away today."

I shrugged my shoulders. I didn't know what to say to her. 'Yeah, I'm quiet today because I'm totally in love with you and I think you're my mate.' I'm sure that would go over so well.

She stared at me with concern swirling in her beautiful eyes. I turned away from her and focused on my project. She sighed, and I knew she was feeling hurt by my vagueness, which of course made me feel terrible.

So I leaned over and bumped her with my shoulder. "Just worried about this assignment." I assured her.

She looked at my canvas and then at me.

"It's amazing. All your stuff is amazing." She signed, and gave my arm a gentle and reassuring squeeze. Could she be more perfect? I gave her a short smile of gratitude. Mercifully, the final bell rang and we gathered up our supplies quickly.

"Walk home with me?" She asked. We usually walked home together but I made up an excuse about having to do some work in the library. For a moment it looked like she was going to protest, but then she nodded curtly and walked away. I watched her go with a sinking feeling in my stomach. We never lied to each other. That was our number one thing. Total honesty. But lately I have been doing a lot of it. And something told me she was starting to figure it out.

******

Later that night, I decided to go for a walk. Of course, my legs started taking me towards Aria's place. Part of me wanted to avoid her and put off talking for as long as possible. Dante, however, was having none of it. He called me a few names that were synonymous with coward and urged me to face her.

Even if she isn't fated, she can be chosen mate. He grumbled at me.

What if she doesn't feel the same way? I whined at him.

She will love us. Well, she will love me. You are being dumb. He replied. That did little to boost my confidence, but I strode on regardless.

Thanks for the morale boost, buddy. I said to him sarcastically.

Hey, I'm just being honest! Dante teased. You know I'm better than you.

You are me. I reminded him, rolling my eyes. We are one.

Hmph. Then I need to teach you some moves. No way she's falling for your pathetic attempt at flirting.

If you are referring to me asking her out to the dance freshman year, you do realize that was only as friends, right? I wasn't flirting.

Damn straight you weren't. That was a disaster. Dante howled with laughter.

I never should have told you about that. I muttered, chuckling to myself.

The moon behind me was about three quarters full, and it lit up the path ahead of me as though coaxing me forward. The warm evening breeze blew my way and carried with it the smell of night blooming jasmine. I inhaled deeply, enjoying the fragrance that only came toward the end of spring and beginning of summer. Then I caught it, a faint whiff. Cardamom and honeydew. Dante perked up instantly and I scanned the area ahead. When she finally came into view, my breath caught in my throat.

She was simply stunning. She was wearing a white cotton dress with spaghetti straps that flared out at her hips and blew in the breeze. Her hips were full and her curves were illuminated beautifully by the moonlight. Her red hair was down, her abundant and tight curls framing her face. I swore that even from this distance I could see her gorgeous green eyes practically glowing. We approached each other slowly, her expression wary. My heart ached to know that my actions had caused her to feel anxious.

I wanted to pull her into my arms and kiss her deeply. I wanted to lift her, spin her around and dance with her. I wanted so much from her, but I was so scared I would lose her completely. When I opened my mouth to speak, some stupid remark about the weather or something came out. Ugh!

"Aria...'' my voice was strained and I cleared my throat. I moved closer to her and tried to summon up the courage to speak. "I..." I grunted in frustration and ran my fingers through my hair. For a brief moment, I was certain I saw desire flash across her face, and hope coursed through my body. Did she feel the same way?

That did it for me. I knew it was now or never.

"Ri. Look at me." I spoke softly, conviction in my voice. "I need to tell you something."