Her Returned Mate The Gathering Shadows Series Book I by North Rose

I walked with confidence in the wide corridor along with my two friends who were both silent to my sides. Every eye was following my moves, like a paparazzi who would capture everything you do and soon post it on social media for them to feast about.

I would understand why they’re looking at me mesmerized if only one; I’m giving them Kendall Jenner vibes which I think, I’m not?

No! I am just a mere student.

I mean, what did I do? Do I deserve all those filthy stares filled with envy from those women who think highly of themselves?

And no. They were not mesmerized. I actually sense green with the way they stare at me which I just shrugged off, as usual.

Jesus! I’m so tired of hearing issues after my name. I know they’re killing me inside their mind because of their lame idea that I stole their boyfriend’s heart ever since I came here to university.

For goodness sake. I have been here for three years already. Can’t they move on?

“Gia, stop with your stares. You’re making their blood boil,” Keith, my friend chuckled at her own remarks.

I shrugged. It’s not my fault that I possess a sharp cat-eye.

“Let their blood pressure increase more than their normal rate."

Gia, a stealer and was not raised properly. That I grew up not learning good manners and right conduct. Then back to the stealer. Stealer. Well, those are just some of the things I hear from people I don't even know.

I wonder how can one severely judge another whom they barely know?

“Anyway, I heard from our professor that we have a new classmate. I just don't know if it's a guy or woman. But I hope it's a man!” my other friend who’s the shortest among us three named Miles exclaimed in excitement.

"And handsome!" Kieth added.

"Oh..." I reacted. "Was he the reason why our group chat last night exploded?" I asked when I remembered their noise there.

“Yes, he was! I heard that he has a high position here in the university... " Miles whispered to my ear, giggling.

I heaved a deep sigh. When it comes to men, these two won’t just stop fretting. They said having a handsome stay with us in one room inspired them more to do well in class. Well, honestly… It’s our crushes that inspire us to go to school every day.

Shaking my head, I looked at them smiling. “You two should find a boyfriend now.”

“Boyfriend what?!” Kieth overreacts. “Noo! Men are just a pain in the ass!”

“Literally!” they both clap their hands in front of me.

My mouth gaped open at Miles word. Seriously?! Lite-fucking-rally?

I just shook my head in disbelief as I looked at them now walking ahead of me. The girls were laughing as they leered at me over their shoulders.

“Hun, walk fast. Our old bald professor might roast you if you’re late to his class,” Kieth winked.

I checked the time on my wristwatch and found out we only have a minute and a half before our first class starts and the room is one building away. I couldn’t help but hiss silently.

The other day, Miles received a sermon from him in front of us. She was so pissed after that he cursed him to the extent.

“Damn, run girls!” I shouted but before I could even run, the two ran first leaving me behind.

I pursed my lips because of it. They were like a human version of Cheetah, as they run fast. Their speed is not just normal for me basing on mine. I was catching my breath when I reached our building. Good thing the room was just located on the first floor.

“Are we on time?”

I glanced at my watch. “Just right,” I smiled and knocked on the door twice before opening it slowly.

The three of us sighed in relief. “He’s late. I think it’s our turn to make him eat his words about being late in class.”

I chuckled at Miles's bitterness. I took my seat which was in the last row, followed by Kieth next to me and Miles sitting in front of us.

I could hear the whispers of my classmates, mostly women. The gentlemen were gathered in one place and were watching something from their phones.

“I wonder what he looks like,” I heard Kieth whisper beside me.

I just put my arms on my desk and put my head down and closed my eyes. Who would dare try to transfer school in the middle of the semester?

I wanted to take a nap but Kieth talked again. I did not move an inch and let her chatter next to me. I am used to this, in front and on my side, there is always someone talking even in the middle of class.

We were kicked out once because of their loud voices.

Only in them, I experience being kicked out. The girls were the reason why I learned to cut classes, sleep in class without teachers noticing it, and just leave while in the middle of the discussion and later called to the discipline office.