Chapter 15

Aliyah's POV

I stared at the campus security guards bursting into our dorm room, their uniforms were crisp, with stern faces. My heart slammed against my ribs as one of them stepped forward.

"Aliyah Marcus, you're under arrest for the assault on Professor Juliette Whyte and conspiracy against Princess Leah Beckhood—or should I say, Princess Liona Travison," the lead guard barked, his voice echoing off the walls. "Hands where we can see them please."

"What the hell?" I snapped, throwing my hands up instinctively. Kelly grabbed Becca's arm, pulling her back, while Skylar and Tyler exchanged a quick glance.

Professor Whyte had just stormed out, spitting threats, and now this? It clicked fast— she must've gone straight to security, twisting the whole story.

Skylar stepped in front of me, his voice low and commanding. "This is ridiculous. Miss Marcus didn't assault anyone. Whyte attacked first, in this very room. We all witnessed it."

The guard ignored him, grabbing my wrist and snapping on the cuffs. "Save it for the dean, Professor. We've got statements and evidence. Move."

Tyler chuckled, leaning against the doorframe. "Evidence? From that unhinged ex of yours, bro? This should be fun."

Skylar shot him a glare that could freeze lava. "Stay out of it, Tyler. You're not helping."

They dragged me out, the hallway was already filled with whispering students as we marched to the dean's office. Maya whimpered in my head, pacing anxiously, but all I could think about was Skylar's disgusted expression back there, like I was a problem he couldn't wait to erase.

It stung, even now, clouding my thoughts. Why did he always make me feel like that? Weak, desperate for just a scrap of approval.

In the dean's office, the air was stuffy with the scent of old books and pipe. Dean Hargrove sat behind his massive desk, flanked by two council reps in suits, probably from the Alpha council, given the conspiracy charge against royalty. Professor Whyte was already there, bandaged up like she'd been mauled, smirking triumphantly.

Bitch.

"Sit," Hargrove ordered, pointing to a chair. I dropped into it, cuffs clinking.

Whyte leaned forward, her voice dripping with venom. "She attacked me last night, Dean. She shifted and everything. Her and her little friends."

I rolled my eyes. "Proof? You mean the lies you cooked up after we kicked your ass for blackmailing Becca?"

Hargrove slammed a hand on the desk. "Language, Miss Marcus. This is serious. Assault on a professor could mean expulsion. And conspiracy against royalty? That's a council matter. Your scholarship hangs by a thread."

One council rep, a burly guy with a scar across his cheek, grunted. "Princess Liona's betrothal is state business. If you've been aiding her evasion, it's treason."

I laughed bitterly. "Treason? Leah's my friend. She ran because she hates her fiancé. I didn't conspire anything, I just didn't rat her out."

Whyte snorted. "And the assault? You clawed me, you little bitch."

"Because you lunged at Becca!" I shot back. "Ask Kelly, Becca, even the professors, they saw you here tonight."

Skylar cleared his throat from the doorway, he'd followed us in, uninvited. "Dean, she's right. I witnessed Whyte's aggression. Miss Marcus acted in defense."

Hargrove eyed him suspiciously. "Professor Deville, this doesn't concern you. Unless you're involved?"

Skylar's jaw tightened. "I'm her literature professor. I have a duty to report the truth."

Tyler sauntered in behind him, flashing that cocky grin. "And I'm her combat prof. Same deal. Whyte's the aggressor here. Let the girl go."

The council reps exchanged looks. Whyte exploded. "They're lying! Both of them! They're... involved with her. Inappropriately. That's why they're defending her."

My stomach dropped. Skylar's eyes flashed with pure disdain, aimed right at me. "That is absurd. I have no such involvement with a student."

Tyler winked at me subtly, but I caught it, charming bastard. "Yeah, what he said. Now, about that evidence?"

Hargrove sighed, rubbing his temples. "We have Whyte's statement, photos of her injuries, and anonymous tips about Miss Marcus's role in hiding the princess. Scholarship revocation is on the table. The hearing is tomorrow. Until then, she's suspended."

The guards hauled me up. "You'll be staying detention hall for the night."

As they dragged me out, Skylar didn't even look at me, he just stared at the floor, like I was nonexistent. It twisted something in me, making me want to scream at him, beg him to see me. God, why does he cloud my head like this?

In the detention hall, a glorified holding cell with a cot and bars, I paced, Maya growling softly. Hours ticked by until the door creaked open. Tyler slipped in, bribing the guard with a wad of cash and a smirk.

"Miss me, sweetheart?" he whispered, closing the door.

I crossed my arms. "What are you doing here? Came to gloat?"

He leaned against the bars, his emerald eyes twinkling. "Nah, came to rescue you. Again. But first, we need to talk terms."

I scoffed. "Terms? I'm not in the mood for your games, Tyler."

He stepped closer, his presence filling the small space, that low bun making him look effortlessly hot. As usual. "Oh, but you love my games. Admit it. That spark? It is why Maya's purring right now."

"Shut up," I muttered, but he was right, the bond tugged at my heart, warming me despite everything. "What do you want?"

He grinned, cocky as ever. "I pull strings. We will get the charges dropped. Save your scholarship. But you will accuse Skylar of bullying you. Harassing you in class. Enough to get him booted from Rising Moon College."

My jaw dropped. "What? No! That's insane. Skylar's your brother!"

He shrugged. "Twin rivalry. He ditched the pack, left me holding the bag as Beta. Time he faces the consequences. Plus, with him gone, it's just you and me, babe. No complications." He winked at me.

I shoved him back and gave him a disgusting look. "You're twisted. I won't lie to screw over Skylar."

He caught my wrists, pulling me close, his breath warm on my face. "Oh, come on. He's been a dick to you since day one. He even rejected the bond, treating you like dirt. You owe him nothing."

"But... he's my mate too," I whispered, hating how weak I sounded. Skylar's cold eyes flashed in my mind, but so did that flicker of something deeper. It messed with me, made me hesitate.

Tyler chuckled, releasing me but staying close. "See? That's your problem. Always weak for him. Let me help you break free. Accuse him, and we're golden."

I paced away. "No. Find another way."

He blocked my path. "There is no other way. Whyte's got the dean wrapped. But I have pull, pack ties, council favors. Say the word, and it's done."

"You're delusional as hell, thinking I'll betray him for you," I hissed.

"And you're stubborn, clinging to a guy who hates your guts," he fired back, but his eyes softened. "But damn, that fire? It's why I can't stay away."

I punched his arm lightly. "Flattery won't work."

He rubbed the spot, grinning. "It's worth a shot. Look, Aliyah, I'm serious. This saves you. And us."

"Us? There is no us if it means hurting Skylar."

He groaned. "God, you're impossible. Fine, sweeten the deal, I throw in a date. Real one. No games."

I laughed despite myself. "A date? While I'm cuffed in here?"

He dangled keys he had swiped. "I will uncuff you myself. See? Hero material."

I snatched them, unlocking myself. "You're infuriating."

"And charming," he added, winking.

"You think you can just swoop in and fix everything with your Beta bullshit?" I snapped.

"It has worked so far, didn't it? I even got you out of worse," he retorted.

"But at what cost? Skylar's job?"

He sighed dramatically. "He's got the pack to fall back on. Alpha life suits him better anyway."

I shook my head. "No. I can't."

He grabbed my hand, pulling me against him. "Think about it. Your scholarship will be gone. You will be expelled. Back to nothing. Or... you, me, handling this bond properly. Without him constantly sneering at you."

His touch sent sparks which shocked me, literally, I pulled away. "You're using the bond against me."

"Maybe I'm guilty. But it's mutual, sweetheart."

The door suddenly burst open and Skylar stormed in, with his eyes blazing when he set them on us. "What the hell are you doing here, Tyler?"

Tyler straightened, smirking. "Visiting hours. What's it to you?"

Skylar's gaze landed on me, full of that constant dislike, like I was a stain on his perfect life. "Miss Marcus, consorting with him? Really? Pathetic as always."

"See?" Tyler whispered to me. "Told you he's a prick."

I swallowed, "Professor, I... we were just talking."

He scoffed. "Talking. Right. Get out, Tyler. Before I report you."

Tyler laughed. "Report me? For what, saving your ass too?"

"Enough," I interjected. "Skylar, why are you here?"

He hesitated, eyes flicking to me with reluctant concern. "To... check on the investigation. Not that you deserve it."

Tyler rolled his eyes. "Bullshit. You're here because the bond won't let you stay away, even if you hate her."

Skylar growled. "I don't hate her. I hate this complication."

"Same difference," Tyler shot back.

I stepped between them. "Stop! Both of you. Skylar, if you care at all, help me without strings."

He crossed his arms. "Help? After everything? You're a liability, Miss Marcus."

His words hit hard, but that pull... it made me want to prove him wrong. "Then why bother coming?"

He looked away. "Duty."

Tyler snorted. "Duty my ass. Admit it, bro, you feel it."

"Shut up," Skylar snapped.

"You two are impossible," I yelled. "Fighting over me like I'm a prize."

Tyler grinned. "Aren't you?"

Skylar huffed. "Hardly."

But as they argued, Tyler slipped me a note: "Deal or no deal? Clock's ticking."

I crumpled it. Skylar's disdain hurt, but accusing him? It felt wrong.