When I walked into the dorm, I found my friends finishing up their showers and getting ready for the day. When Aggy saw me, she gasped. My eyes were already swollen from crying on the way back.
"Bern? What happened? Did you fight with Shirley again?" Aggy asked.
I shook my head and collapsed onto the couch. Piper hurried over. "Are you hurt?"
"What did they do to you?" Zach, Jasher, or Genesis?" Paige added, her voice sharp with concern.
I didn't answer right away. I wasn't sure how much I could tell my best friends. Part of me was still afraid—afraid to open up about everything that was happening between Zach, Genesis, Jasher, and me.
But honestly? I was exhausted from keeping it all inside.
"Zach, Jasher, and Genesis all claimed me as their mate," I said softly.
The three of them looked at each other.
"Yeah, we know that," Piper said, nodding. Aggy and Paige followed suit.
"They've all marked me. At different tim
With Jasher's help, I organized the remaining books in the library, thus fulfilling my promise to Miss Olive. I was overcome with sentimental feelings because Miss Olive wasn't there to see how neat the library looked, with every book in its proper place."Bern?" Jasher placed both hands on my shoulders from behind. "Are you okay?"I wiped the tears from the corners of my eyes. "Yeah, I just feel relieved that I've kept my promise."Jasher hugged me and kissed my cheek. "Miss Olive would be proud of you."We walked out of the library and headed to the cafeteria, as it was dinnertime. When I arrived, my friends were already waiting in line.I walked over to them and happened to pass Shirley, who was already carrying her food."Hey," she greeted me flatly.I nodded. "Hi."Paige, Piper, and Aggy looked puzzled when they saw me talking to Shirley."Hey?" Aggy echoed in a mocking tone."Since when are you two friends?" Piper asked, eyeing
"What's up?" I asked, meeting Genesis and Bernice near the lake.It seemed like they wanted to talk seriously, considering we had to meet in a place where no other wolves could overhear us. Being here reminded me of the first time we almost…Never mind. I had to be patient and wait for Bernice to make up her mind.Bernice and Genesis exchanged glances, but neither said a word. What was this really about?"Are you going to talk or what? Is this about Zach?" I guessed.I knew Bernice had probably been hurt again by Zach. That always pissed me off.If he was really going to marry Cassandra this time, I honestly didn't care. In fact, I was glad—one less rival for Bernice's heart. Genesis was the only one left, but he wasn't much of a competitor. I had a feeling Bernice only pitied him."It's not about him. It's about Axel," Genesis finally said."What about him now? Did he bother you, Bern?" I turned to her, but she just shook her hea
I was still uneasy because of Zach's behavior. It made me question everything. Did he really see me as his mate? Or was I just being used? I had a sinking feeling that he knew I had deeper feelings for him and was taking advantage of that.Just when I thought I'd made my choice, when I thought Zach was the one, I was slapped in the face by another kind of reality.Unable to sleep, I quietly crept out of my room. My steps led me toward the outer balcony, a place I had never visited. As I opened the door, I heard an annoyed scoff."Oh my God, can't you let me live in peace?" Shirley snapped.Shirley had been lounging on the couch, but she stood up the second she saw me.Standing defensively, she asked, "Do you enjoy stalking your next victim? Is it me now?" she hissed."Hey! How was I supposed to know you were out here?" I shot back, irritated."Don't tell me there's going to be another rumor about me tomorrow. My life's already a mess because
I stood up, grabbed Jasher's arm, and pulled him away from Axel. As we passed Cassandra, she hissed in frustration and stormed out of the cafeteria.I didn't want Jasher to cause another scene. I knew how easily he could lose his temper."Bernice! What the hell? Why was he even there? I should've thrown him out!" Jasher growled.I ignored his outburst and continued leading him upstairs toward the third-floor balcony. It was the only place we could talk without interruptions.Despite his anger, Jasher followed my lead. Once we arrived, he leaned against the railing with a frustrated sigh."Don't lose your temper again, or you'll end up in trouble," I said softly.He didn't respond right away. Instead, he just stared at me with his intense gaze. They felt like they could see straight through me, undressing every part of my soul. That was Jasher: dangerously alluring."Are you still mad at me?" he asked.The guilt hit me like a slap in the face.
Eager to meet Bernice at the cafeteria, I rushed out. But I stopped in my tracks right in front of the dorm head's office. I saw Alpha Dunstan talking to someone whose back was facing me.Why did he look so familiar?"Genesis! Come over here!" Alpha Dunstan called out.The person turned around, and I gasped. It was the guy from yesterday's competition—the one who gave Bernice flowers!"Axel is joining your dorm today. He's a new student here," Alpha Dunstan said.He what?Axel held out his hand toward me. "Nice to meet you. I'm Axel."Well, at least he's polite. I shook his hand. "Genesis.""Genesis will show you the dos and don'ts in the dorm.. I hope you two get along well," Alpha Dunstan added.Great, now I'm the new guy's personal guide. Why couldn't it be someone else? So annoying."Let's go to the cafeteria. It's lunchtime," I said awkwardly."Yeah, sure."Axel didn't talk much. He just looked around, mesmerized by Evercrest. After all, it is a top-tier academy.As we reached th
News of Violet's death spread across Evercrest. As a result, the academy tightened its security, just as it had not long ago.When we arrived at the dorm, Luna Hester and Shirley were standing outside the Sigma dormitory, deep in conversation. This made the rest of us raise our eyebrows.As soon as Luna Hester noticed us approaching, she turned her attention to us."Oh, you're back. Thank goodness you're all safe," she said.My eyes moved to Shirley, who looked irritated and bitter."Starting today, Shirley will be moving into the Sigma dorm. I want you all to welcome her and look after each other," she continued.Shirley? Moving into Sigma?I didn't consider this dorm to be exclusive just because Paige, Aggy, Piper, and I were the only ones living here. But Shirley joining Sigma? Wouldn't that cause problems? Why her?I instinctively glanced at my roommates. They looked just as shocked.Shirley cleared her throat softly