Chapter 2

I clench my fists, staring up at him. “Says the guy who spends all his time picking on someone ‘pathetic.’ Must make you feel really big, huh?”

"It’s not hard to feel big around you.”His smirk widens, eyes cold.

I laugh, but it’s sharp, bitter. “Wow, real original, Jaxon. You been practicing that line? Gotta admit, the whole ‘alpha’s son bullying the omega’ routine? It’s getting old.”

“Careful, Maeve. You’re already on thin ice as it is. You think just because my sister likes you, you matter around here? Think again.”His expression darkens, taking a step closer, almost towering. over me now.

My blood boils. “And you think because you’re the alpha’s son, you can say whatever you want? Must be nice to walk around like your shit doesn’t stink.”

“Okay, let’s all calm down. Jaxon, stop being an ass.” Ava steps in, looking between us like she’s trying to stop a bomb from going off.

But Jaxon isn’t done. “I’m not the one who needs to calm down,” he says, his gaze fixed on me like I’m some kind of bug he’s waiting to squash. “The omega should know her place. You’re not special, Maeve. No one cares what you think or want. Maybe at the ball, you’ll finally understand how low you really are.”

I feel the anger bubbling up, but I don’t back down. “You know what, Jaxon? You can throw around all the insults you want, but at the end of the day, it says more about you than me.”

“You get off on tearing people down, but that doesn’t make you strong. It just makes you a coward hiding behind your attitude.”

Jaxon’s jaw tightens, and I know I’ve struck a nerve.

“Maybe instead of focusing on me, you should take a good look at yourself. Just a thought.”

Jaxon’s eyes flash with anger, and for a second, I think he might snap. But instead, he just steps back, smirking again like he’s already won. “You’re going to regret that.”

He walks away, leaving me standing there, leaving me in anger.

“ I am sorry about my brother,He’s such a jerk. Don’t let him get to you, Maeve.”Ava sighs, shaking her head.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself down “He always gets to me,” I mutter, watching Jaxon disappear down the hall.

Ava puts her arm through mine. “Yeah, well, he’s an idiot. You know that, right?”

I nod, but it doesn’t make it any easier. Jaxon’s words always dig deeper than I want to admit. “I just don’t get why he has to be like that. It’s not like I’ve ever done anything to him.”

Ava shrugs, pulling me toward our first class. “ Maybe he’s secretly intimidated by how awesome you are.”

I snort. “Yeah, sure. That’s it.”

“I’m serious! He’s just too dumb to realize it. But I do. You’re amazing, and if he can’t see that, screw him.” Ava’s bright smile makes me feel a little lighter, even if only for a moment.

“Thanks, Ava. You always know what to say.”

“Of course! Someone has to keep you from drowning all day.” She bumps her shoulder into mine. “Now, let’s gets to class"

-----lunch time--------

Lunch time is always the worstAva has her club meeting. And I am always left sitting alone in the cafeteria alone,with everyone's attention on me "the pathetic omega".

But today I decide to escape the chaos of the cafeteria and find a hidden spot for lunch. The mating ball buzz has everyone talking and I’m not interested in hearing about who’s pairing up with whom.

I make my way to a secluded area behind the science wing, surrounded by tall bushes—a perfect place to enjoy some alone time.

Settling on a picnic table, I pull out my sandwich and take a moment to breathe. Just as I’m about to take a bite, I catch the faint scent of smoke. Frowning, I look up to see a guy leaning against the wall, casually smoking a cigarette.

He’s got messy dark hair and a confident stance ,dressed in a leather jacket that gives off a arrogant vibe. I’ve never seen him around the pack, and I am guessing he is the new transfer student

“Nice spot you’ve got here,” he says, taking a long drag from his cigarette. “Mind if I crash your party?”

“Yeah, actually, I do. I was enjoying some alone time before you decided to invade.”I shoot him a look, my expression flat.

“Didn’t mean to interrupt. Just looking for a place to chill. Didn’t realize I’d stumble upon someone interesting .”He chuckles.

“Congratulations, you found me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to get back to my sandwich without a distraction"

He raises an eyebrow, a sly smile spreading across his face. "Feisty, huh? I like it." He takes another drag, his eyes locked on mine, before extinguishing the cigarette on the ground.

"Name's Carter, by the way. New transfer student." He walks over.

"Maeve."I eye Carter warily, wondering what the hell he wants.

Carter drops onto the bench opposite me, his leather jacket creaking. "So, Maeve, what's a lovely girl like you doing in a place like this?"

I shrug, trying to appear like I don't care"Just grabbing lunch."

Carter's gaze lingers on me, his eyes crinkling. "You're not very good at sharing, are you?"

I take a bite of my sandwich, eyes still on Carter as he casually leans back, arms stretched out across the bench behind him. "So, what’s your deal? You crash people’s lunch just to make small talk, or is there more to it?"

He smirks, the corner of his mouth tugging upward. "Not a fan of small talk, huh? Fair enough. I’m not much for it either."

"I prefer peace and quiet. Something tells me you don’t."I shrug, taking another bite.

He glances around the secluded spot, the chatter of the pack barely reaching us. "Quiet’s not so bad. You just seemed like someone who wouldn't throw themselves at me"

I pause mid-bite, glancing at him. He’s not wrong, but I’m not about to agree out loud. Instead, I chew slowly, keeping my thoughts to myself.

"The ball's tomorrow, right? Let me guess—you’re not going."Carter shifts slightly, watching me.

"Definitely not. Why, you thinking of making an appearance?" I roll my eyes.

“Nah, I don’t do the whole ‘mate’ thing,” Carter says, his voice a little quieter. “Not anymore, anyway.”

I glance at him, my curiosity awakened. “Not anymore? What happened to change that?”

“Life. You figure out some things just aren’t worth the hype.” He smirks but I can see that he just made up the answer.

I turn my head, studying him. "That's funny. So, what—are you just here for the scenery?"

"Let’s just say I’ve got my reasons."His smirk fades slightly, and for the first time, I see something flicker behind those dark eyes.

"Secretive much?"

"Maybe. But we all have our secrets, don’t we?" he smirks

I don’t respond, taking another bite to avoid the sudden tension in the conversation. Carter stands up abruptly, dusting off his jacket.

"Anyway," he says, his tone lighter again, "I’ll let you get back to being alone.But if you change your mind about ditching the ball, let me know. I know a few spots that are even better than this."

I blink, caught off guard. "Why would I hang out with you?"

He chuckles, walking backward as he steps away. "Because you’re curious. Later, Maeve."