Chapter 3

Meryn

My chest feels tight as panic overwhelms me, and I start to wheeze. “I... I’m sorry,” I whisper, desperately clawing at Reinar’s hand.

“Sorry? Sorry doesn’t cut it,” he snaps, his eyes flying open to reveal his black, pupilless eyes. He looks close to shifting and like he will tear me to shreds.

Fear trickles into my veins, and I stop trying to fight Reinar when he lifts me higher into the air, knowing it won’t end well. Janice and Jackson can’t help me. They aren’t strong enough to stand up against their Alpha. I’m on my own and find it harder to breathe as Reinar moves one of his big hands to my throat, curling his fingers around it. 

“S-stop...” Jackson whispers, shocking me by actually seeming to care about me while my sister is looking away. He wets his lips. “Y-you’re going to kill her...”

Reinar, however, doesn’t budge, nor does he appear fazed. I don’t think he cares about my life. His face is twisted in rage, and I shiver when he snarls, “You don’t want to make me mad, little bitch,” his voice is a warning. “Now, apologize, and I might spare your sad little wolfless life. You don’t deserve it, but for your beautiful sister’s sake, I will let you live if you show me some respect.”

At this, I shakily meet his gaze and apologize with trembling lips, barely able to keep looking into the soulless depth of his eyes. “I’m sorry,” I whisper, my voice terror-stricken with fear. “I didn’t mean it, I swear.” My heart is hammering against my ribcage as I await his response.

Satisfied, Reinar releases me to the ground. I land on a heap on the ground, but nobody aids me. My sister is keeping her head bowed down while Jackson is trembling. Reinar walks up to him. He might be done showing his dominance to me, but he isn’t done with the Beta that questioned him for hurting me. 

“Jackson,” he says in a calm tone that only makes him sound even more intimidating. “Do you know what happened to my last Beta?” 

He gulps, nodding his head. Reinar smiles at that and lifts up his hand to stroke down a fold on Jackson’s shoulder. The Beta represses a shiver, but it doesn’t go unnoticed. Reinar knows his effect and lifts his eyes to his Beta’s. 

“What happened to him?” he asks. 

Jackson’s tongue darts out to wet his lips. “Y-you killed him, Alpha.”

“That’s right,” Reinar’s angry expression morphs into one of indifference as he steps away. “Question me again, Jackson, and watch what happens.”

Jackson shakily nods, his body trembling slightly. Reinar doesn’t say anything else. He walks away, and Janice follows him. She seems disgusted by Jackson’s weakness, and I watch them walk away, my heart pounding in fear of what could have happened if Reinar hadn’t been merciful. If Jackson hadn’t said something...

I look in his direction to thank him, but he is already walking toward the stairs. It’s probably for the best. I realize that Jackson doesn’t really care about me. He just didn’t want someone to die in the parking lot today, and I stand up slowly on shaky legs, feeling numb from the whole experience of almost being murdered. 

It sucks, but I probably shouldn’t challenge Alpha Reinar again. Even if he is cruel and heartless...it baffles me how someone like that is allowed to be an Alpha. 

Shaking Reinar from my thoughts, I head to my first class. It’s a communication course and, honestly, not something that I care for since I’m a freshman studying business. I honestly don’t know why I’m taking this extra course, but I guess it’s because communication is a basic need in the business world, and with additional courses on my schedule, I spend less time at home with Janice and her boyfriend.

I sit down without looking at who is already sitting there, my eyes trained on the professor. But when someone’s muscular leg brushes against mine, I feel a jolt of electricity. Heat prickles up my skin, and I sneakily glance out of the corner of my eye, my whole body turning tense when I see I’m sitting beside Alpha Weston. 

My skin crawls. I’m seriously torn between being afraid of the insanely large werewolf or admiring his amazing physique and beautiful face.

Suddenly, his green eyes meet mine, and he frowns. “You’re taking this class too?”

I give him a nod since I can’t speak in his presence. I know what he thinks of me, and it’s making it rather awkward and embarrassing to sit beside him. 

Weston, however, shocks me by smirking. “Great, then you can be taking notes for me too.”

Excuse me?

My face must show what I’m thinking because Weston’s smirk turns even more sinister as he studies my face. And, despite myself, I blush. How could I not? Weston has the most gorgeous face that I’ve ever seen: carved cheekbones, long eyelashes, and sandy blonde hair that looks soft to the touch. 

Seriously. The guy looks like he belongs on the cover of a magazine. But all those angelic features are ruined by his demonic personality. I doubt he is a much better person than Reinar...

I force myself to speak. “W-why would I take notes for you?” I whisper. 

He lazily leans back in his seat, muscular arms folded behind his head. “The professor said there is going to be a group project, and I’ve decided you will be my partner.” 

“Why me?”

With an arched eyebrow, he glances at a group of girls that swoon when he looks at them, and he grimaces. “Because you’re the only one who isn’t trying to have my babies...” 

He looks at me again, regarding me with something resembling...amusement? It throws me off. Just what is this guy’s deal?!

I wet my lips and then shock myself by blurting out exactly what I’m thinking, “Why would you want to work with someone who thinks you’re a dick?”

Weston freezes, stunned by my words, before his eyes narrow. He looks as if can’t decide whether to be impressed or angry that I spoke my mind. Eventually, that expression turns into a dangerous, mirth-filled one. 

“Meryn Prowlfeather, the Omega of her pack and a known nerd on campus. Likes to cosplay as Final Fantasy characters during her free time. Huge fan of Starwars, anime, and Pokémon, yet, despite her many hobbies, manages to have top grades in everything—why would I not want to team up with you? I would pass this class without putting in any effort at all.”

“D-did you spy on me?”

“I ran a background check after I ran into you yesterday during that seminar.”

When I glare at him, he leans closer, smirking. “Anyway, you could benefit from this deal too, you know.”

I lift my chin in defiance, trying to appear proud, but my voice fails me by coming out insecure. “H-how?”

Weston cocks his head to the side, and I hate the fact that he seems to have figured out how to get under my skin already. He makes me nervous with his mere presence, and so he has brought his big body closer than necessary.

“You really think people would mess with you if you were my project partner?” 

I eye him skeptically, hating how attractive he is. It would be challenging to work with him since my mind goes on a trip whenever he looks at me, and I sigh. “Every girl on campus would want to slit my throat if I hung out with you.”

He stifles a laugh at that, seemingly aware of his good-looking and status in the food chain. “We wouldn’t be dating. I would just be your...friend.”

“Friend?” I ask. 

“Mhm,” he shrugs with a satisfied evil smile. “Think about it. You would be left alone, and I would get top grades in this class. I would also avoid being put on the bench by the coach and could focus entirely on my football career...oh, but for this to work, you also need to bring me food.” 

I blink repeatedly, wondering what the heck is wrong with this guy before asking, “Why?”

Weston stares at me, seemingly unwilling to answer the question before he realizes this is important: if he doesn’t open up, I won’t take his deal. He must realize this because he sighs heavily.

“This stays between us, okay?”

“Everything you say stays between us,” I promise him. “I just want you to be honest with me.” 

“Alright... After failing half of my classes, my parents weren’t exactly happy. They said I’ve been spoiled my entire life, and now my bank accounts are frozen until I’ve passed every single class.” He runs a large hand through his disheveled hair while raking his sharp eyes over me. “So, Meryn Prowlfeather...do we have a deal?”

I am at a loss for words and widen my eyes when Weston offers me his hand. A slow, predatory smile spreads over his cruel lips, and my heart stops.

Intimidating, yet so very charming—that’s Alpha Weston in a nutshell. The question is: can he be trusted? How do I know Weston won’t hurt me? Working with him means spending more time together, which means there is a bigger chance of him snapping one day, but...what the hell? 

If my pack members leave me alone on the campus grounds, then who gives a crap? Weston might be a judgemental bully, but chances are Reinar wouldn’t dare to hurt me if another Alpha was around...

I place my hand in his. “Deal.”