Mated To The Hybrid Prince - Chapter 12: Chapter 12

(Lily's POV)
Our cars rolled to a stop in front of the school gates.
I stepped out first, Aria, Tobe, and Dev falling into place around me like we’d rehearsed it. Heads turned, and whispers began. Everyone was curious and somewhat in awe.
I basked myself in it and didn’t flinch even when I caught the scent of vanilla and forest spice... even when his presence curled beneath my skin like a memory I wanted to forget.
Zion.
I didn’t need to look. My wolves had already sensed him, and HER. She was clinging to his arm like she belonged there.
My fingers twitched, but I shrugged, holding my chin high. Let them look. Let them wonder...
My boots echoed against the tiled hallway as the crowd parted without being told. Inside the school, students turned to stare as we passed. A few whispered, and some nudged each other, but no one dared block our path.
Classes passed in a blur, but I barely listened. Zion sat two rows away in one of them, and even though I didn’t turn, I felt him watching me intently. My wolf stirred every time we caught his gaze flicked, and it made it harder to breathe.
By lunch, the whispers were a low hum in the background. My friends and I entered the cafeteria and claimed a table near the center. I used to eat in the hidden corners and stay invisible, but Aria, Tobe, and Dev didn't believe in hiding.
As we settled in, I caught movement from the far end of the cafeteria. Zion had walked in with Lucian and Celeste beside him. They chose a table away from us, but the tension hovered like a shadow.
Shortly, Celeste stood from their table with a toss of her hair and strutted toward ours like she expected the world to gravel at her feet.
This girl had me kidnapped. I may not have proof but I know it in my gut that it was Celeste.
Celeste approached our table with her heels clicking too loud, and her smile too sweet.
"So this is the new Lily everyone’s obsessed with? Let me guess; add two hot guys, a makeover and suddenly you think you're royalty?"
Dev tilted his head “Did we ask for your commentary?”
Celeste scoffed. “Wasn’t talking to you, icy.”
Aria leaned forward, her bracelets chiming. “We’re new here, so we’re not sure; are you always this loud and useless, or is today special?”
Laughter rippled through nearby tables.
Tobe folded his arms. “You try to seem important, but your confidence is giving ‘expired milk.’”
I expected her to swing at one of them. Instead, she looked at me and for the first time, I didn’t look away.
“You don’t know who you’re messing with,” she hissed.
The words stumbled from my mouth “Neither do you.”
The room fell silent. Then... exploded. The sound of laughter and shocked gasps echoed through the cafeteria.
It was the first time anyone had spoken up for me, and it felt good. I was really grateful for having them in my life.
The rest of the day went by in a blur. Near the end, I took the quiet hallway to use the restroom when Zion suddenly showed up out of nowhere.
He grabbed me tightly, and before I could say a word, he pulled me into the boys’ restroom and locked the door behind us with a loud click.
"Zion, what are you—"
I didn’t get to finish. He kissed me hard and fast.
My eyes went wide, and I pushed at his chest, shaking. My heart beat too fast. I was shocked and confused. I didn’t want another stolen kiss or intimacy. I wanted answers. I wanted to know why he would kiss me when no one was looking, but allow Celeste to be clinging on his arm. He even chose her as his mate in front of everyone at his birthday party.
Zion didn’t stop. His kiss got deeper and rough; one hand locked my waist and the other in my hair.
I pushed again, my breath coming in short gasps. He let out a soft growl, like he was hurting inside.
"Kiss me back," he said as his voice shook.
Then his rhythm became slower, and softer. He caressed my upper lip, and then gently nibbled my bottom lip. It was appealing... and welcoming…
I didn't know when I forgot everything; I was no more pushing but pulling him in.
I kissed him back, pouring all my love into it. It was just me and him…
Then —
A loud knock hit the door.
We both froze.
“Is anybody in there?” A guy’s voice called, and Zion stilled.
His breath was unsteady as he pulled away slowly. When we stared at each other in the mirror; his lips were red, and mine were swollen.
I fixed my hair with shaking fingers. None of us said a word.
Then he unlocked the door, and walked out first.
We stepped out into the hallway, and that was when we stumbled upon one of our classmates. He was obviously the person that just knocked on the male’s restroom door.
The guy stared at us with wide, curious eyes before shifting his gaze between us.
I waited a minute to try to calm the anxiety in my heart before turning to walk away.
Later, as I passed a group of guys gathered near the lockers. I saw Zion laughing like nothing had happened. Then I heard my name and paused.
“So what’s going on with you and Lily?” one of them asked.
Zion didn’t even blink. “Nothing. She's Lucien’s mate and simply a friend to me.”
The blood in my veins went cold.