The Rejected True Heiress (Liora) novel Chapter 48

I nearly smirked.

“So,” Mia stepped forward, scanning the vending machine. “I was wondering, Liora, and I know there’s been a lot going on, but could we practice some dancing tonight? For homecoming? I feel like I still don’t know what I’m doing.”

I nodded as her coconut water clunked free. “Sure. Not like I can study with half my textbooks drying on a

radiator.”

She grinned, but Zane leaned in, brows raised. “Wait. You’re actually going to homecoming?”

Mia and I gave him the same look. He blinked. Then immediately backpedaled.

“I mean–not that you can’t. Obviously. It’s just–usually the wolfless crowd skips it, or they’re… kinda

invisible.”

Mia twisted the cap on her drink, mumbling, “I’ve been every year. I served you punch once.”

Zane froze. I fought the urge to slam my forehead into the vending machine and gave him the look. The “fix it

now or I will” look.

To his credit, he caught on fast. “Right! That’s on me. Totally my bad. But hey, how about you both save me a

dance this year? I owe you one. Or five.”

He turned to Mia, more sincere this time. “Sorry I didn’t notice you before. That sucks. But I can make up

Promise.”

Mia’s smile crept back, slow but genuine. “Really? You’re sure the others won’t… judge you?”

Zane shrugged. “I’ve never been big on society’s rules. I only care if you step on my toes.”

“Oh.” Mia bit back a grin, then turned to me. “We should really go practice then.”

Zane let out a mock sigh. “One or two broken toes will just add to my charm.”

Mia turned beet red, but laughed. “Then I look forward to it.”

Zane shot me a sly grin. “Yeah. Me too. I’m sure you’ll both make fine dance partners” He winked.

My face scrunched, “When did I get roped into this?”

for it.

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Chapter 48

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Mia locked her arm around mine with a tug. “Come on, Liora, it’s not like we can afford to be picky! I never had a proper date to the dance, let alone a dance partner! It’ll be fun!”

My brow flattened, “Mia, you shouldn’t be so desperate.”

“I’m not,” She grinned, “I’m just… happy! I’ve never gotten to dance!”

Zane titled his head, maybe confused, but took a swig of his drink.

“Okay, well, I gotta go,” Mia said, her face still flushed as she gave Zane one last smile. “I’ll see you later, Liora. Bye, Zane!”

“Bye, Smartypants,” he called after her, giving a casual wave. Once the door swung shut behind her, he turned to me with a lopsided grin. “What a cutie.”

I gave him a flat look. “Don’t encourage her.”

Zane blinked, all faux–innocent. “What, I was just being friendly.”

“You flirt when you don’t mean it,” I said, voice low. “That’s not nothing to someone like Mia. She’s not used to… all this. She might think you’re serious.”

He chuckled and bumped my shoulder with his. “Aw, look at you. Jealous?”

“Of Mia?” I snorted, sipping my water. “Please. I’d rather chew drywall. I’m just saying, don’t mess with her. You do, and I’ll leave you crying in the dirt.”

“Okay, okay,” he said, raising his hands. “I swear, I was just being nice. Besides…” He leaned in, close enough for me to smell the Mango Dragonfire on his breath. “I’m only into one wolfless girl.”

I narrowed my eyes. “What does that even mean?”

He shrugged with a sunny grin. “No idea. Just sounded flirty in my head.”

I groaned and turned away. “Thanks for the drink. You were less of a pain than usual today.”

Zane was kind of like a vending machine, loud, occasionally broken, full of junk… but every once in a while, he

gave you exactly what you didn’t know you needed.

“Yeah, well,” he said, tossing me a lazy wave as he leaned back. “I like when you’re not threatening to end my bloodline. Big step for our friendship today.”

I shot him a look over my shoulder. “Don’t get used to it. You’re still annoying.”

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Chapter 48

“But you didn’t say you hate me!” he called after me with a laugh. “That’s growth!”

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I couldn’t help the smirk that tugged at my mouth, until I caught a flicker in his eyes. Something quieter behind

the grin, like a shadow slipping beneath the surface. Was he…angry? Maybe he was hiding something.

Or, knowing Zane, maybe he was still mad they discontinued the Blue Voltage Blast.

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