**Harper's POV **Sage's hand lands on Dillon's forearm, not his shoulder. What does that mean?Axel comes over and puts a hand on Dillon's shoulder before guiding him away. I attempt to follow, but he puts a hand up to stop me. He gives methe universal sign for "It's okay" and I can finally suck in a breath. What the hell just happened?Demi shoots me a questioning look and I shrug, stilltrying to remember how to breathe and trying to calm my racing heart. I don't know what I would have done if I'd been wrongabout Dillon. He and Archie already mean the world to me.I've already spent hours daydreaming about our future. The thought of all thosedreams shattering is heartbreaking. I couldn't stand it.Sage is movingdown the line again, but I can't focus on her. I can't stop my eyes from going to where Axel is talking to Dillon further down the field. Dillon looks animated and Axel appears to be trying to calm him.I can't hold back any longer. My legs are moving towards them before I can stopmyself. Dillon turns to look inmy direction and I pick up speed, running towards him now as hemoves towards me.Dillon's arms open for me and I run into them. He lifts me from the ground andI plant my lips on hisin a desperate kiss. We all agreed not to go this far until our bond was confirmed, but I couldn't wait a second longer. I felt so close to losing him just now and I know I'd regret never kissing him for the rest of my life if that had happened.So right here, in themiddle of the training field, in front of some of my parents and a large group of students, I have my first kiss. It's messy, it's rawand is passionate. It's amazing.When I finally break the kiss and look into Dillon's eyes, I can seemy own emotions reflected there."I thought I was going to lose you," Dillon breathes."Me too."My eyes well with tears, and he kisses me again. It's slower thistime, less desperate and more sensual and exploratory. I think I have just foundmy new favourite pastime. Why did we wait to do this?As I deepen the kiss, my tongue delving into Dillon's mouth to meethis, someone clears their+25 Bonusthroat nearby and I suddenly come back to my senses with a flush of embarrassment.I break the kiss and bury my face against Dillon's chest to hidemy shame. He wrapshis. arms around me, shielding me from view with a chuckle."Sage has moved on. It might be best if you don't follow for now," Axel says."Why did she touch Dillon? He's not Demi's bond.""I'm not sure. I guess she will explain it to you later, butwe have always been told that if she touches someone anywhere but on their shoulder that we should move that person away from her. Only a shoulder touch identifies a bond," Axel explains."Well, that was a bit exciting, wasn't it?" Theo says with humour as he comesto join us.I lift my face to scowl at him, and he holds up his hands in surrender."No. It was terrifying," I huff."Yes, that's what I meant," he nods, his face turning deadlyserious and almost making me smile.Theo trying to be serious has always been funny to me. Of all my parents, he is the least serious. He finds humour in almost any situation and I love him for it. "Deacon said you should go to Ruby. You have been assigned an apartment there," Axel says."Which way is that?" I ask, trying to remember the location of each building."I can take her," Dillon offers."Yeah, I bet you would love that, wouldn't you, Romeo?" Theo snorts. "But you still have a class to complete. I'll take her."Dillon sighsand kisses the top of my head. "I'll see you for dinner later," he says before releasing his hold on meand jogging back over to join his classmates..I watch him go with a new appreciation for him. I can't wait untilhe's officially mine."Okay... let's get moving before we have another romantic movie moment in themiddle of the field," Theo sighs.I cast one last look at Dillon and he waves before taking position in frontof his sparring partner."Be good," Axel grins before jogging back over to his students.I roll my eyes and turn to follow Theo.We arrive at an old-looking building and I remember my mum telling me it's whereshe once lived with my dads when they were at the academy.The entrance way is spacious and doubles as a communal area, which is currently occupied by students and their luggage. My mum Luke is calling out names from a tablet and handing out keys to teens, who then head up one of the two enormous staircases. Theo leads me straight to Luke, who hands him a key and tells him I'm in apartment number three. My mum doesn't makea fuss over me, and barely glances myway as she continues assigning rooms to students. Which is good."Deacon will port your luggage over soon, so make sure you answer the door when he knocks. Intake day is always busy, but this is a crazy one, so be ready to answer when he comes," Theo says as we climb the grand staircase. "Okay," I nod."Herewe are, apartment three." Theo hands me the key and I unlock the door, excited to see my new home.I push open the door and I'msurprised to see how spacious thenoveldramaapartment is. From the doorway, le can see an open-plan kitchen area with a table big enough to seat six. Behind the counter is a lounge area. with a large L shaped couch and a TV on the wall. "I'll leave you to explore. I need toget back to my combat class before Axe accuses me of slacking," Theo says.I turn to thank him and watch him walk away before I step into the apartment and close the door.