1: Not Pleased to Meet You

Mariella’s Pov

Time passed by in a blink of an eye, after a four hour long teachers and parents meeting. 

 I stood from the chair just right after the meeting hall was empty only to notice my waist was stiff like that of an old woman.

A sigh escaped my lips.

 I instantly spread my legs apart and then placed my hands on both sides of my hips. I bent backwards, trying to relieve the tension. 

Everything was now upside down, even my hair was few inches above the ground.

My breath caught, and the bones around my waist tightened as I slightly moved my waist in circular motion to regain flexibility, until-

The door creaked open and sturdy steps echoed in the hall. The smell of expensive perfume filled the air.

My eyes peeled open and that's when I saw him-

 He was tall even by werewolf standards. His broad shoulders made his perfectly tailored sweat shirt and cashmere black pants fit perfectly. His ripped muscles were quite visible from his shirt and his elegance was charming, causing a certain hunger in the pit of my stomach.

His dark hair was laid back and styled. 

He had deep blue eyes and well-trimmed beards that went round his lips. When his eyes met mine, I lost all concepts of time and space. 

He was charming but incredibly familiar.

When he got closer to where I was, I quickly turned over, but my legs twisted causing me to fall on my right side.

"Are you okay?" 

A silent scoff escaped my lips, and just when I took a quick glance, it was no other than my nemesis.

I didn't need to blink twice, I knew him.

Leonardo Ricci, the Alpha who didn't just reject me as his mate but bullied me throughout high school.

It was as if time stopped as the event of the past clouded my mind in no minute like an instant tornado.

I felt my body tingle, and a quick shiver ran through my spine. A feeling of dread tore up my insides when I remembered who it was.

There were few things I hated in my twenty four years of living, and on the top of that list was no other than the man towering over me.

He had a name he used to call me, “Mousy Mari.” 

I could still recall vividly when I sang at the school festival in hopes but Leonardo mimicked me on stage, instigating other students to clap and laugh at me as they sang-

“Mousy Mari, Mousy Mari…”

I ended up running off the stage. 

From what I know, Leonardo was now the most influencial figure in the city. He was from a powerful Mafia family.

"Are you hurt?" 

His gaze was fixed on mine, there was no trace of concern, his countenance was expressionless and cold, as he always were. 

Staring into his eyes was like standing face to face with the demon. Those eyes of his could pierce into ones soul as if tearing them apart from within.

Brushing his hand off, I helped myself up.

“Why are you here?" Tucking my hair behind my ears, I feigned a smile at him. 

 Despite the harshness in my tone, he scoffed like it was nothing and retreated his hand.

"I was late for the parent-teacher meeting. I'm Leonardo Ricci, Tatiana's father." 

"Tatiana? My student?" 

"So I was told, Miss.”

I was stunned for a moment, causing an uncomfortable silence.

It was obvious he didn't recognize me. 

I knew better, people who hurt you, tend to forget, only the ones who was hurt are left with the memories of the pain.

“If you could spare me a few minutes of your time, teacher. I'd like to discuss the complaint you had sent to me.” He waved an envelope at me and I instantly recognized it.

It was one of the notice I sent.

Tatiana has been my student for the past one year, though I've never met her parents.

In that one year, she was involved in fights and all sorts of school violence. I've often sent written notice to her parents but no one came.

Not until now.

“How do we resolve the issues with Tatty?” Leonardo sat on the empty chair and crossed his legs as he stared at me.

I couldn't help but think- like father like daughter.

“From my understanding, it doesn't seem like Tatiana spends a lot of time with her parents, if you are only just seeing my six months worth of notice.” 

“I never said that.” He pursed, and stood on his feet, “I just was not opportuned to come sooner.”

His gaze swept the length of my body and he rolled his eyes and then raised a brow as he said, “Regarding my schedule, I don't have a choice, I just want you to…”

He didn't finish when I caught him off and said, “You always had a choice,” I said quietly, meeting his gaze.

I took a deep breath, feeling the ache of years-old resentment well up in my chest.

A brief flicker of confusion crossed his face as he looked at me, his eyes squinted and he walked closer, leaning towards my five foot self.

"I’m sorry, do I… know you?"

A bitter laugh escaped my lips before I could stop it. "You truly don't remember me. But why would you? I was just ‘Mousy Mari’ to you back then,” I said, feeling a sharp pang at saying the cruel nickname out loud.