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Chapter 1 - New Beginnings

The scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers filled the air as Ace stepped out of his family's sleek, black sedan. He stretched his lean frame, feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin. The new school's campus sprawled before him, a mix of modern architecture and lush greenery that seemed to whisper promises of fresh starts and new opportunities.

Ace had been looking forward to this day for weeks. Leaving behind the drama and stress of his old school was exactly what he needed. His parents, both esteemed figures in their respective fields, had pulled strings to get him admitted to this prestigious institution. Ace wasn't sure if he was excited about the academic challenges or the chance to make new friends, but he was determined to make the most of it.

As he grabbed his backpack from the backseat, his phone buzzed with a text from Nathan. "Hey, good luck today! Can't wait to hear about your first day. Love you!" Ace's heart swelled with affection. Nathan had been his best friend since childhood, and the thought of being away from him for an extended period felt like a part of him was missing. He quickly typed out a response, promising to call him during lunch.

With a deep breath, Ace slung his backpack over his shoulder and followed the stream of students toward the main building. The atmosphere was buzzing with chatter and laughter, a cacophony that both thrilled and intimidated him.

As he entered his first class, Ace's eyes scanned the room for an empty seat. That's when he saw him—Luca, sitting in the back row, his piercing blue eyes locked onto Ace with an intensity that made his skin prickle. There was something about Luca's gaze that felt...off. It was as if he could see right through Ace, to the very core of his being.

Ace felt a shiver run down his spine. He quickly looked away, attributing his reaction to mere nerves. After all, he was the new kid in school; it was natural to feel a bit apprehensive.

The teacher began the introductions, and Ace's anxiety spiked. He hated being the center of attention, but he managed to stammer out a greeting without too much embarrassment. When the teacher asked him to take a seat, Ace's eyes inadvertently drifted back to Luca.

Luca's eyes never left his, a steady, unnerving focus that made Ace's heart race. It wasn't until another student bumped into him, breaking the spell, that Ace realized he was standing frozen in the aisle. He hastily took the nearest empty seat, trying to calm his racing thoughts.

Throughout the class, Ace found it hard to concentrate. He could feel Luca's eyes on him, a constant, burning sensation that made him wonder if he was imagining things. When the bell rang, signaling the end of the period, Ace let out a silent sigh of relief.

As he gathered his belongings and stood up, Luca appeared beside him, his movements fluid and powerful. "You're new here," Luca stated, his deep voice sending a shiver down Ace's spine.

"Yeah, just transferred," Ace replied, trying to sound casual despite the growing unease in his chest.

Luca's gaze roamed over his face, and for a moment, Ace felt like he was drowning in those piercing blue eyes. "I'm Luca," he said, his voice low and smooth.

"Ace," he replied, extending his hand in a gesture of politeness.

Luca's handshake was firm, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through Ace's body. It was as if their skin touching had sparked something primal, something Ace couldn't quite understand.

"I'll walk you to your next class," Luca offered, his eyes never leaving Ace's face.

Ace hesitated, unsure if he wanted to spend more time with this intense, overwhelming Alpha. But before he could decline, Luca fell into step beside him, his long strides easily keeping pace with Ace's.

As they walked, Luca's scent enveloped him—a rich, intoxicating blend of leather and spice that made Ace's heart race. It was a scent he'd never encountered before, one that seemed to call to him on a deep, primal level.

"So, Ace," Luca said, his voice low and husky, "tell me about yourself."

Ace launched into a stilted explanation of his interests and hobbies, feeling like he was being pulled into Luca's orbit with every step. He couldn't shake the feeling that Luca was hiding something, that beneath those piercing eyes and chiseled features lay a complexity Ace wasn't ready to confront.

As they reached the door of his next class, Ace felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Thanks for walking me, Luca," he said, trying to sound polite but firm.

Luca's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded. "I'll see you around, Ace." His voice was low and smooth, but Ace detected a hint of something else beneath the surface.

Ace watched as Luca turned and walked away, his long strides eating up the distance. He couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, as if Luca's presence still lingered around him.

Shaking off the feeling, Ace stepped into his next class, trying to focus on the lesson. But his mind kept wandering back to Luca. Who was this Alpha, and why did he seem so intense?

As the day went on, Ace found himself glancing around, half-expecting to see Luca's piercing blue eyes staring back at him. He couldn't shake the feeling that their encounter was more than just a chance meeting.

During lunch, Ace finally got a chance to call Nathan. His friend answered on the first ring. "Hey, how's it going?" Nathan asked, his voice warm and familiar.

Ace filled Nathan in on his morning, leaving out the part about Luca. He wasn't sure why, but he didn't want to share that with Nathan yet. "It's been okay, I guess," Ace said. "Just trying to get used to the new school."

"I miss you," Nathan said, his voice tinged with sadness. "But I'm glad you're getting a fresh start."

"Me too," Ace replied, feeling a pang of guilt. He missed Nathan too, but he was also excited about the possibilities this new school presented.

As they chatted, Ace's mind wandered back to Luca. He wondered if he'd see the Alpha again and what would happen if he did.

After lunch, Ace had a few more classes, but he didn't encounter Luca again. As the day drew to a close, Ace felt a mix of emotions. He was relieved to have made it through his first day, but he was also curious about what the future held.

As he walked out of the school building, Ace spotted Luca leaning against a sleek black motorcycle, his eyes fixed intently on Ace. Ace's heart skipped a beat as Luca pushed off from the bike and strode towards him.

"Hey, Ace," Luca said, his voice low and smooth. "Need a ride home?"

Ace hesitated, unsure if he wanted to get into a car with this intense Alpha. But something about Luca's offer seemed... tempting.

"I don't know," Ace said, trying to sound casual. "I'm not sure if I'm allowed to ride motorcycles."

Luca's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I'll make sure you're safe," he promised.

Ace wasn't sure if he believed Luca, but he found himself agreeing to the ride. As he swung his leg over the motorcycle and settled in behind Luca, Ace felt a rush of excitement mixed with trepidation.

What was he getting himself into?

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