Chapter 4 Are You Hurt?

CLARA'S POV

Fate is always cruel to those of us at a disadvantage and I had come to accept my fate. The moon goddess had decided to add a bag of salt to my injuries the moment she decided that Kent was to be my mate. It could have been anyone else but she had to choose him of all persons who was already in a relationship with Melissa.

I had found myself going off to my comfort zone, after receiving a series of beating from Melissa and her cronies. while my estranged mate looked on. I sat right down there by the corner, looking around to make sure no one was approaching. It was the school's backyard, my very own safe zone where I could freely express my broken hearted emotions in tears. I thought about the pain of every humiliation I had gone through which included the most recent assault on me during our supposed combat class. I had run away from them after they had their satisfaction fulfilled.

Suddenly, a shadow hovered over me.

Ate the same time, I felt a strange gust of wind send jitters down my spine. Quickly, I cleaned my eyes with my hands as I looked up to find a strange man looking right at me. He seemed strange yet familiar so I felt confused. Around him was a dominant aura that I had not felt in anyone save for Kent's father, the Alpha himself. I used to say that Kent was the most handsome man I had ever seen in my life but that was about to be history as I forgot myself in the pools of his beautiful eyes.

"What are you doing here, student?" He asked as he looked at me. "Need any help?"

He was so close up to me that his scent shot up into my nostrils. I rose up suddenly like I had been pinched in the ass.

"I...um.... I was just.... I should be getting back to class." I said hurriedly as I ran around him and straight past him. I could not understand why I had acted so awkward to a total stranger.

"Wait, you..." He was saying to me but I had already bolted on my sneakers. I could not understand what was wrong with me or why I was running. But I knew within me that with the heat that had been shot all over me, had I remained there one extra minute, I would have been guilty of kissing a total stranger. To prevent that from happening, I needed to get away from him instantly.

It could easily have been a trap set by Melissa, to get me into more humiliation. I vowed that I would not be returning to that spot anymore. It was no longer secret or safe. If I had such a person running around, it could mean that I would be subjected to whatever is set after me if I dare return.

It was the second week of class after the last encounter that I realized my error sadly. We had all thronged through into the combat class hall where I was met with the greatest shock of my life. The man standing there and introducing himself was no stranger to me.

"I am Professor Derrick and I shall be standing in as your combat teacher while your teacher is on his sabbatical. Are there any questions?" He asked as his eyes fell on me.

I took a step backwards as I realized that it was the man from my secret spot. I recalled running out on him. With his eyes focused on me, I could tell that he recognized me clearly. I wished the ground would open up and swallow me because I could not deal with his gaze fixed that way on me. The entire class were awe struck by the gorgeousness of this man and they had realized how young he looked to be a professor.

Suddenly, an angry looking Kent spoke up.

"When is our teacher returning and when would you be leaving?" He demanded with hostility clearly shown all over him.

If there was anything we knew about Kent, it was the fact that he would rather no one share his attention.

"Well, that's for your teacher to answer and sadly, he's not here. Now, I need volunteers to show me what you have been learning all along so I know where you're left off." He said.

He had answered brilliantly that I found myself totally moved by his gracefulness. However, Kent seemed not to be satisfied with his response and decided to take it a notch further.

"I'll show you." He said and without waiting for the professor's acknowledgement, he was already onto him as he lashed out on him and launched an attack on him. 

The professor would now pass as not only the most gorgeous man I had ever seen but the smartest as he skillfully dodged Kent's blows and soon, he had Kent's arms pinned painfully behind his back as the latter screamed calling for surrender. The professor let go of him as he pushed him away causing Kent to fall on his butt.

"Now, does anyone have anything more to show me or would you pair up?" Professor Derrick asked, looking around.

No one dared challenge him as he showed how gracefully strong he could be. Everyone had begun rushing to their friends as usual while I looked on when suddenly, Melissa came for me.

"It's you and me, Clara." She said to me and I swallowed.

I could tell that I was in trouble because I could not attack her for fear of her ratting out to our parents. Professor Derrick showed us a simple move but the moment he seemed to turn his back, Melissa suddenly kicked me in the knee causing me to trip and fall. Professor Derrick suddenly turned and glared at her.

"I saw what you did." He shout at her.

"Oh sir, I did nothing. Clara fell, right Clara?" Melissa asked, glaring at me.

I was about to agree when he flared up.

"Quiet. I shall have no bullying in my class and you have flouted my greatest rule. Off you go to detention. This instant!!!" He yelled as his voice thundered across the hall. It was like he had his precious item taken from him and Melissa found herself running over fearfully.

I could not understand why he had reacted this way, but I have to admit that it gave me a certain amount of pleasure seeing Melissa scared of her bone marrow. The entire atmosphere had suddenly grown quiet as everyone had their focus on us. I felt rather odd being the center of attention again. I could feel their cold gaze upon me based on the fact that I had caused the embarrassment of their queen bee. If eyes could stab, I would have been hit with double dozens of surreptitious stabs from their glare.

Professor Derrick approached me where I still sat down as he worriedly looked me over. 

"Are you hurt badly?" He asked me.

I did not like the feeling of being doodled over and tried to stay above it all. 

"I'm fine." I said and struggled to get up when suddenly, the pain shot up. "!!!"

"Clara. Just stop!" He yells and I reclined.

The tone was not of anger but it clearly showed concern as he felt around the knee area.

"Seems like you dislocated. Let's get you fixed up then." He said to me,

Suddenly, he reached underneath me as he lifted me in his arms and up I went. I could not believe that I was being carried, bridal style and for a moment, I was tempted to recline on his chest. I wanted to listen to his heartbeat and the scent of his nearness was not aiding me one bit. I would definitely be the topic for the next day but then...

Who cares?

"The rest of you, quietly return to your classroom." He said to the rest of the class as he carried me out.

Once out of the classroom, I realized it was becoming really hard to keep up and I pretended to seek comfort and reclined my head as I desired. His heartbeat was rather fast as he hurriedly walked out.

"Where's the medical area?" He asked a teacher and I realized early enough to close my eyes and pretend to be asleep.

"Is she hurt?" He asked.

"Medical office, please!" He commanded. Although he had tried his best to control it, you could still catch his anxiety and anger..

"I'm sorry, professor. The last door to the left of that corner." The teacher said.

"Thank you." Professor Derrick responded as he frantically carried me out and through the area.

 We arrived at the medical room but the nurse was not in and the place was empty.

"Damnit! Those nurses never stay in their place." He muttered under breath as he approached a bed space.

I had opened my eyes and he set me down gradually, as he rushed over and returned with the first aid box to the corner.

He pulled a seat with him and sat down in front of me. Then he inspected my leg. I felt my nervousness increase suddenly and even more when he rolled up my trousers leg.

"I can do this..." I began to protest, feeling the rushing heat between my legs.

"Clara, I'll advise you to stay put." He said seriously.

I gave up protesting.