I stared at the ceiling of the common room as I lay on the couch. It was almost midnight, yet I still couldn't sleep. I'd been isolating myself here since classes ended.
Luckily, Aggy, Paige, and Piper understood; they didn't bother me at all.
After talking to Zach, I left him immediately. I didn't want to hear any more of his excuses. My heart was broken; I felt totally betrayed.
I thought he was the love I'd been waiting for all this time. It turns out that Zach was just using me. He tricked me. How could he be so cruel to me?
Suddenly, Aggy's face popped into my sight from above.
"You're still up, Bern?"
I wiped my tears and sat up. "Aggy..."
"Did I scare you? Sorry, Bern." She sat down beside me. "Don't dwell on it like this. You'll get sick from heartache."
I shrugged. "I don't know what to do."
"Just move on. You still have Jasher and Genesis."
I didn't respond. I could only sit there, holding back sobs.
Healer Theresa entered the infirmary with Genesis. Her face tight with irritation, she looked at Jasher."Did you apologize to Bernice?" she asked.Jasher nodded. "I did, Healer.""Well, I don't know if this will be reported to the dorm head or your homeroom teacher. But for me, the important thing is that you regret your actions and don't repeat them.""I understand, Healer.""Not everything can be solved with anger, Jasher."Jasher let out a quiet sigh. "Yes, Healer. I regret it.""Go back to your dorm with Genesis," said Healer Theresa, then turning to Shirley. "You too, Shirley."I cleared my throat softly. "I'm fine now. Can I go back to the dorm, too?"Healer Theresa looked at me with surprise but simply raised both hands and nodded.We all left the infirmary together and walked side by side back to the dorm hallway."We have to expose Axel," Genesis murmured. "Who is he, really? Could he be a spy from the Alpha Council?""A spy for whom?" Shirley asked skeptically."Bernice, ob
Ugh! The pain throbbed harder and spread across my entire face. I groaned softly and squinted my eyes. I saw Healer Theresa and Zach talking in low voices. I could hear them clearly enough."Oh my God, what was Jasher thinking, trying to punch the new kid? Bernice ended up being the victim," Healer Theresa said, tsking."Just make sure Bernice is okay, Healer.""Yeah, sure."Zach left with Healer Theresa. Once they were gone, I opened my eyes and let out a quiet sigh. If this plan didn't work, all my pain would've been for nothing.I heard a commotion outside the infirmary, followed by the door creaking open. Genesis rushed in, looking completely panicked."Oh, thank God! You're awake!" He grabbed my hand. "I'm going to beat up Jasher! Has he lost his mind to hit you like that?"I pulled Genesis down and whispered in his ear. "It was deliberate. We're executing the plan now. Make sure you and Jasher stay with me tonight.""Shit," Genesis muttered. "Sorry. But this isn't how it was sup
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.