I Am not His to Claim

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

As we walked away from the hallway, we headed towards where Mason had parked his car. I looked at him with confusion, and gave him a look, a hint of question, ‘What are we doing here?’

He activated his Roll Royce black car that exudes an aura of sophistication and luxury. It is sleek and has a timeless design that commands attention, with smooth, flowing lines that create an impression of elegance and refinement. Just with the look and car that he own, you will know, he own this town, the richest person that could ever live in this Eldoria Town. “Where are we going?” I asks him and he just opens the door for me. “Just trust me.” He said in confidence and smiled. He didn’t even bother to answer my question. I just stared at him and I feel embarrass at the moment because I can see that the students are eyeing on us. I may not see their reaction or how they look at us, but I know, I already knew what they are thinking about us. What they are talking about us, and it is making me feel suffocated.

“I still have class.”

“I’ll bring you back, before you even notice your second and last subject.”

Wait, how did he know…

“Are you stalking me?” I gave him a mean look, trying to wait for the answer he will give to me. I repeated the question to Mason and he just smirked at me. “I am just getting to know you.” An answer that doesn’t make any sense. “You claim me as your fated mate, but you didn’t even know me that much?” I asks him in sarcasm. I don’t know if I will be offended or not, but I know he doesn’t know me that much. Because the night he said that, was the first time I met him, was the first time we met each other. So how could Mason couldn't possibly know much about me, considering we had only met recently. "I'm getting to know you. Starting with your schedule… And the rest begins today," he explained, gesturing for me to join him in the Rolls Royce.

I rolled my eyes and climbed into the car before he shut the door beside me. Why did he claim me as his mate? I pondered the question as we drove, wondering if it was because I resembled Marissa or if there was another reason entirely. Perhaps there were other motives I wasn't aware of, but I couldn't shake the feeling that it was because of my resemblance to Marissa. What other reasons could there be, after all?

My thoughts were interrupted when I realized Mason was already in the car, fastening my seatbelt. I felt frozen, unable to move as he took care of something as simple as securing my seatbelt. But in that moment, there was an undeniable tenderness in his actions, a gesture that made my heart flutter with unexpected warmth. I couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions coursing through me. His touch was gentle, yet firm, and there was something undeniably comforting about it. As we pulled out of the school parking lot and onto the road, I couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation building inside me.

"Where are we going?" I finally asked, unable to contain my curiosity any longer.

Mason glanced at me, a small smile playing on his lips. "I want to show you something," he said cryptically, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's a place that's very special to me."

I furrowed my brow, puzzled by his vague response. "What kind of place?" I pressed, eager to unravel the mystery.

He turned his attention back to the road, his expression thoughtful. "It's a lake forest not far from here," he explained. "It's where Marissa and I used to spend a lot of time together."

The mention of Marissa's name sent a pang of sadness through me, I don’t know what is wrong with me, but why is he bringing me to a ‘special place’ only inclusive for the both of them and I feel this hanging sadness, guilt, and joy? Everything feels confusing. I am not Marissa, why show it to me? “Why show a special place you spent time with? And why now?” I settled back into my seat, content to let the silence envelop us as we continued on our journey. The landscape outside the window blurred into a blur of greenery as we drove deeper into the forest, the rhythmic hum of the engine lulling me into a sense of calm.

After what felt like hours, Mason finally slowed the car to a stop, the sudden silence jolting me out of my reverie. I looked around, my eyes widening in awe as I took in the breathtaking beauty of the lake forest that stretched out before us.

"It's beautiful," I breathed, unable to tear my eyes away from the tranquil scene unfolding outside the car window.

Mason smiled, his eyes softening as he looked at me. "I knew you'd like it," he said softly, his voice filled with warmth.