Attention

The halls buzzed with the chatter of students as they moved between classes, laughter echoing off the walls. 

For Lily, however, the bustling atmosphere felt suffocating. 

She walked with her head down, clutching her books tightly to her chest, determined to avoid any more confrontation with Lexa and her friends. But fate had other plans.

Just as she rounded a corner, she found herself face-to-face with Lexa again who was followed by her usual entourage of giggling girls. 

The air grew thick with tension as Lexa’s smile twisted into a malicious grin.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t the Luna herself again,” Lexa said. “How’s it feel to be the biggest joke in school?”

Lily swallowed hard, her heart racing. 

“Just leave me alone, Lexa,” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

“Leave you alone?” Lexa scoffed, stepping closer. “And miss out on all the fun? I think not. You see, you might have that fancy title now, but we all know the truth. You’re still just the pathetic girl that everyone loved to bully.”

Lily’s fists clenched at her sides. 

“I don’t care what you think. I never wanted to be Luna, and I definitely don’t want the twins. They’re trash!”

The moment the words left her mouth, she felt a rush of adrenaline. 

Lexa’s eyes widened with shock and fury, and for a split second, Lily thought she might have gotten through to her.

“How dare you!” Lexa hissed, her face twisting in anger. “You think you can just insult Liam and Lucas like that? You’re nothing!”

Before Lily could respond, Lexa’s hand shot out, aiming for her face. But just as the slap was about to land, a firm grip caught Lexa’s wrist.

“Enough!” a deep voice commanded. 

Lily turned, startled to find a tall guy standing between her and Lexa. 

He was strikingly handsome, with smooth dark hair and piercing green eyes that seemed to lure her in.

For the first time, she felt a sense of safety.

“Let her go,” he said, his tone low but authoritative. “You’re not going to bully her today or any other day.”

Lexa glared at him, her anger simmering. 

“Who do you think you are? This doesn’t concern you!”

“I’m Alex, an Alpha from the Steele Pack,” he replied, his voice unwavering. “And I’m making it my business to ensure that no one here is bullied. Now, get lost.”

Lexa opened her mouth to protest, but the fury in Alex’s eyes silenced her. 

She turned to her friends, a mix of disbelief and anger swirling in her expression. 

“Fine! Let’s go, girls,” she snapped, her voice sharp as glass. 

They turned and stormed away, leaving Lily and Alex standing in the aftermath of the confrontation.

“Are you alright?” Alex asked, concern etched on his face as he turned to Lily.

Lily nodded, still processing what had just happened. 

“I would have handled it myself,” she said, her voice steadier than she felt. “But thank you for stepping in. I really appreciate it.”

“I couldn’t just stand by and watch,” Alex replied, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Nobody deserves to be treated like that.”

For a moment, Lily felt a warmth spreading through her chest. It was refreshing to meet someone who actually cared. 

“I’ve never seen you around before. Are you new here?”

“Yeah, I just transferred. My pack and Crestwood High have an alliance agreement, so I’ll be here for a while,” he explained. “What about you? Are you a senior?”

“Uh, no, I’m a junior,” she said, trying to maintain her composure despite her racing heart. “I’m Lily, by the way.”

“Nice to meet you, Lily.” He extended his hand, and she took it, feeling an electric jolt at the brief contact. “If you ever need someone to back you up against any bullies, just let me know. I’ve got your back.”

“Thanks, Alex,” she said, her cheeks warming under his gaze. “But I can handle myself. I just… don’t like the way she treats people.”

“I get that,” he said, his eyes locking onto hers. “It’s a shame that some people think they can bully others to feel powerful. Just remember, you’re stronger than you think.”

Lily smiled.

“I’ll try to remember that.”

As they stood there, the noise of the school faded into the background. 

Lily found herself lost in his eyes, the connection between them undeniable. 

He was different from anyone she had ever met—confident, kind, and fiercely protective. 

“Anyway, I should get going,” Alex said, breaking the spell. “I have to meet some friends. But I hope to see you around, okay?”

“Yeah, definitely,” Lily replied, her heart sinking slightly as she realized he was leaving. 

He gave her one last smile before walking away, and Lily couldn’t help but stare after him, her mind racing. 

She had never felt this way about anyone before, and it scared her.

“What’s happening to me?” she whispered to herself, her heart fluttering. 

But before she could dwell on her feelings, the bell rang, snapping her back to reality. 

Lily sighed, collecting her books and heading toward her first class, her thoughts still lingering on Alex. 

She tried to shake off the giddy feeling in her stomach. 

“Focus, Lily. You have to survive today,” she reminded herself.

She knew it was improper as the Luna to be thinking about another Alpha, most especially a visitor, in such a way but she couldn't help herself.

There was something warm about him that brought her mind back to him even just after meeting her several minutes ago. 

As she entered the classroom, she found her usual spot at the back, but her mind was only half on the lecture. 

She glanced out the window, spotting Alex talking with a group of guys on the other side of the courtyard. 

He looked so relaxed, so confident, and she couldn’t help but smile.

The conversation flowed easily, and for the first time in a while, Lily felt like she could breathe.