CHAPTER 3: Fight like a master!

Last night’s dream wouldn’t leave me alone.

It wasn’t the first time I dreamed of someone in my room—watching, always watching—but last night felt different.

It wasn’t even a full moon.

And he didn’t just watch.

He kissed me. Or at least, tried to. I could still feel the phantom pressure of his lips, the weight of his presence.

It felt real. Too real. And that made me nervous.

After breakfast, I got dressed in faded, high-waisted jeans and a black off-shoulder crop top. Simple, but it hugged my curves just right.

As I walked through the school gates, boys greeted me with eager smiles. Girls stared daggers, their jealousy obvious.

I ignored them all.

My eyes were on my classroom—until I stopped short.

Alexander.

And Natalie.

They were standing just a few steps away.

Alexander’s expression froze when our eyes met. Natalie noticed instantly, her grip tightening possessively around his arm. But he didn’t react. He just stared at me like he was waiting—maybe hoping—to see pain in my eyes.

I gave him a blank look and moved to walk past.

But he caught my wrist.

“I’ll give you another chance,” he said, voice low. “To be my mate.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“No thanks.” I yanked my hand free.

Gasps erupted around us.

No one knew we were mates.

Until now.

The boys who’d been following me scattered like scared puppies when Alexander’s glare swept over them. They knew they stood no chance against their future Alpha.

“Why?” he asked, stepping closer. “You’re my mate.”

I shrugged. “And I have no interest in being yours.”

Natalie scoffed beside him, practically wrapping herself around his arm. “Please. He was just being generous. You're lucky he even acknowledged you.”

I turned to her with a smirk, “Is that why he had you draped all over him yesterday? Thought you were already playing Luna.”

Her smile twisted into something ugly.

“Of course I am,” she said sweetly. “He asked you to be a mate. I’m the Luna. There’s a difference, sweetheart.”

Then her voice sharpened like a dagger. “He just wanted to give you a shot because of that pretty face. But Luna? You? Please. Without that face, you’re nothing. Just the same ugly mutt you’ve always been.”

She poked my forehead with her finger—again and again.

I laughed.

A full, unhinged, madwoman kind of laugh.

“So you think I'm weak?” I echoed. “Have you ever seen me fight?”

She flinched, but masked it with a laugh. “Exactly. You’ve never fought anyone because you can’t. You're not even allowed to train with us. You smell like an omega—everyone knows it.”

She leaned closer, voice dripping venom. “You might smell stronger than most omegas, but that’s probably your only talent—seducing guys with your freakish scent.”

Alexander’s frown deepened, but he didn’t speak. Didn’t defend me.

Coward.

“Just accept it,” he said after a beat. “You’re not Luna material. You haven’t even shifted. That alone proves you’re weak. Embarrassing. You’d humiliate me—and the entire pack.”

I stared at my nails, utterly unbothered.

“You all love calling me weak,” I said softly. “How funny.”

Natalie stepped forward again. “You’re pathetic. Stop pretending you’re something you’re not. Know your place, or else—”

“Or else what?” I cut her off with a glare. “Tired of hearing you talk, Natalie. Why don’t you show me what you’ve got?”

“You little bitch!” she screamed, lunging for me. “I’ll beat you until you can’t recognize your own face!”

She clawed at my face, but I dodged easily, again and again.

She grew more furious with every failed attempt.

Then it hit me.

That presence.

The same one from last night.

Watching me.

The hair on my arms stood on end. My instincts screamed.

I hesitated—just a second too long.

Natalie’s kick landed square in my stomach, sending me flying backward a full meter. I hit the ground hard, gasping for air.

I scanned the crowd, trying to locate the eyes I felt on me.

Nothing.

Just the usual spectators—silent, stunned.

I didn’t see Natalie until she was right in front of me, grabbing my collar.

She slapped me hard across the face.

“This is what you get for acting like you’re better than me, you bitch!”

The sting snapped me back into focus.

Alexander did nothing. He just watched. His eyes darkened, but he didn’t move.

Natalie raised her hand again—but this time, I caught it.

My grip tightened around her fist.

She raised the other.

I moved faster.

My foot connected with her stomach—same spot she’d hit me. She flew back, crashing ten meters across the courtyard and landing in a heap, unconscious.

Gasps filled the air.

A beat of silence.

Then I looked up, brushing the hair from my face.

“Game’s over, baby,” I said with a slow, savage smirk. “Now, if you’ll excuse me…”

I walked past Alexander, who was frozen in place, stunned.

“Weak?” I tossed the word at him with a bitter laugh. “You sure about that?”

His expression twisted—part pride, part shame.

He lowered his gaze. Couldn't meet my eyes.

Good.

He should be ashamed.

He didn’t defend me. He stood there and let her hit me.

He doesn’t deserve me.

I walked away—head high, shoulders back.

Like a queen.