Chapter 26
I lay nestled in Jason’s arms, feeling dazed and disoriented. Before I knew it, I turned back into a human. He lowered his head, his gaze falling on my forehead. My damp hair lay between us, water spreading, making my clothes slightly transparent. He swallowed, then gently released me.“The clothes are new, unworn. Make do with the shoes for today.”
I saw the clothes he’d placed by the entrance, my face flushing.“Thank you,” I mumbled.
He noticed my unguarded state and started to lecture me.“Don’t just open the door at night.”
“Because I knew it would be you knocking,” I said, my gaze steady and calm.
He met my eyes, then quickly looked away.“Remember to lock the door,” he mumbled, sounding awkward.
Standing at the doorway, a slight smile touched my lips. Looking around the unfamiliar room, I realized I was truly starting a new life.
While charging my phone, I noticed dozens of missed calls, almost all from Nathan. There was also a missed call from Lucas, but it had only rung three times before he hung up. I opened imessages and saw Nathan’s messages:
*“Lina, where are you? Please don’t be angry. Come back, and I’ll make Lucas apologize!“*
“Lina, you should know that you can’t hide in the Pack for long. If Derek finds out, the consequences will be unthinkable.“*
*“Lina, we’re family. Can’t we forgive these little squabbles?“”
My eyes turned cold as I read his messages. Forgiveness? Absolutely not. In a werewolf’s world, no one can make a huge mistake and expect forgiveness without facing consequences.
The next day, at school, Jason and I took a taxi.“I’ll head to class,” I said, glancing at him.
He watched me safely enter the school before turning away. A luxury car pulled up beside him, and Leo stuck his head out.“Last night, the Ashford family went crazy looking for you. Luckily, we were there; otherwise, you wouldn’t have been able to escape.” The Ashford family weren’t pushovers.
Jason’s lips tightened, lost in thought.
Meanwhile, I arrived at the classroom. As soon as I reached the doorway, a chorus of shrieks erupted. “Lina’s here! She’s the
gamer
who landed the twelve–hit combo yesterday!”
“Oh my god, what’s her relationship with the legendary gamer, King? I’m so curious!”
“Can we get a picture with you?”
I hadn’t expected such a crowd. Feeling slightly overwhelmed, I managed a hesitant nod.“Sure.”
People surged forward, some asking for autographs. The classroom doorway became a chaotic throng. I even saw some class shifted to wolves, howling.
Sophie arrived at that moment. Seeing me surrounded by admirers, her face twisted with resentment. She had over one hundred thousand followers online, far more than me. These clueless fools!
Unable to contain her bitterness, she stepped forward.“Lina, where were you last night? Nathan is frantic. Even if you’re angry, you shouldn’t jeopardize your safety.”
I knew the white lotus was up to her tricks. Her sidekick number one chimed in, “Sophie’s right, Lina is nothing but an ingrateful wolf. Just because she won the competition yesterday, she thinks she has the right to act arrogantly, which is why she’s throwing a tantrum and running away from home.”
Sidekick number two rolled her eyes. “I bet she’s living with the school doctor. She’s way too young to be seducing men.”
I raised an eyebrow.“No wonder people say you two have foul mouths. I’m witnessing it firsthand.”
<Chapter 26
Sophie seized an opportunity.“Lina, you don’t know how envious I am that your family worries about you so muc being so unreasonable, so spoiled.”
“Are we close? Stop with the false pretenses. No one here cares about your act, are you tired?”
u’re
Men
“Lina, how can you talk to Sophie like that? She was worried about you all night. You’re clearly in the wrong; she has every right to comment,” Lucas said, appearing beside them. His expression was complex. He didn’t have to bring Sophie to school, but he had, somehow. He knew I’d be here. He hadn’t slept all night. He felt… strangely isolated from me.
I wasn’t surprised to see him.“Doesn’t Sophie often spend nights out?” I countered.
Sophie’s eyes welled up.“Lina, how can you say that?”
“Lina, what are you saying? Sophie is my sister! Apologize to her!”
My expression remained calm and cool.“She started it; I learned it from her.”
Sophie’s voice was choked with tears.“I… I didn’t mean it that way. You misunderstood.”
Lucas, who had been trying to control his temper, lost it.“Lina, look at yourself! Were you with the school doctor last night? That’s the truth!”
I stared at him silently, my gaze unwavering. He instantly regretted his words, but with so many people watching, he couldn’t take them back.
I simply replied, “It’s none of your business.” I turned and walked towards the classroom.
“Stop right there! What do you mean it’s none of our business? You’re getting more and more arrogant. Just because you won a revival match, you think you’re all that.”
I scoffed, not bothering to turn around.
Ignoring the commotion, I sat down. Lucas watched my detached demeanor, a simmering anger in his heart. But he didn’t dare to do anything too extreme, after all, he’s still under probation and shouldn’t even be at the school in the first place..
Sophie seized the moment. “Lucas, it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have asked Lina anything, making her upset, but I was worried she would do something foolish out of anger.”
“I know, you were looking out for her, but she’s not appreciating it.” Lucas was irritated. “Lina’s temper is terrible these days; she disregards everyone’s feelings. She’s completely changed. What do we have to do to make her happy?”
A flash of mockery crossed Sophie’s eyes. Lina had been distancing herself for a while now; had he only just realized it? It was, of course, good for her.
She changed the subject.“What are you going to do about the school doctor?”
“Make him pay the price!”
Lucas stormed off to the principal’s office. This needed to be addressed. After ensuring her plan worked, Sophie returned to the classroom.
Passing by me, she whispered, “Lucas went to the principal.”
My face paled. He was bringing trouble to Jason.
I stood up, but just then, the English teacher walked in.“Let’s begin class.”
I had to sit down again, my attention wandering throughout the lesson. Finally, the bell rang. I called Jason, worried.
He answered promptly, his voice calm.“What’s wrong?”
Lucas went to the principal. You might get into trouble, but don’t worry; I’ll explain.”
< Chapter 26
“Kid, don’t meddle in adult matters,” he said, his tone confident, almost arrogant. I almost didn’t recognize him; he was usually so quiet and reserved. But I somehow believed him.
After hanging up, I returned to my seat and focused on my studies. Just over a month left until the WAT, and then I would be free.
After school, I gathered my books intending to go to the infirmary, only to find Nathan in the doorway, holding a huge stuffed
bear.
My footsteps faltered.
He approached me.“Lina, you were amazing in the revival match. I got you a gift. Congratulations, and I look forward to seeing you shine in the finals.”
Finals?
