Chapter 16

Aliyah's POV

I crumpled Tyler's note in my fist, my blood boiling as Skylar stood there with arms crossed, glaring at both of us like we were the freaking scum of the earth.

The detention cell felt even smaller with the three of us crammed in and the air was thick with tension. Skylar's emerald eyes flicked to me, full of that same old disgust, like I was a bug he would rather squash than deal with.

"Answer me, Tyler," Skylar snapped, stepping forward. "What are you doing here? This isn't your playground."

Tyler leaned back against the bars, that cocky grin plastered on his face. "Like I said, visiting hours. And last I checked, you're not the warden, bro. Or should I say, Alpha? Oh wait, you ditched that title, didn't you?"

Skylar's jaw clenched. "This has nothing to do with the pack. Miss Marcus is in enough trouble without you meddling."

I stepped between them again, my heart racing. "Both of you, just stop. Skylar---- Professor Deville---- why are you really here? You said it was duty, but you could have sent a message or something."

He turned his cold and unyielding gaze on me, "Because unlike my brother, I follow protocol. The dean asked me to verify some details about the incident. Not that it's any of your concern how I handle my responsibilities."

Tyler snorted. "Protocol? That's rich coming from the guy who just rejected his own mate. Real responsible, Skylar."

Skylar whipped around to face him. "Keep your voice down. This isn't the place." He hissed.

"Why? Afraid someone hears how you tossed her aside like yesterday's trash?" Tyler pushed off the bars, getting in Skylar's face. "She's your mate, man. Our mate. And you're acting like she's a curse."

I felt a pang in my chest at Tyler's words, but Skylar's reaction hit harder. He didn't deny it, he just looked at me with that intolerance, like the bond was a joke the moon goddess played on him. "The bond changes nothing. She's a student. And you encouraging this nonsense only makes it worse."

"Encouraging?" Tyler let out a sharp laugh, "I'm the one trying to fix the mess you made. You rejected her, left her wolf hurting. If anyone is making this worse, it's you, hiding behind your stupid Professor title while the pack falls apart."

I have never seen Tyler this serious, that usual cocky grin was replaced with a scowl.

Skylar's eyes flashed with anger. "The pack is your problem now. You wanted the power, Beta. Now enjoy it."

I couldn't take it anymore. "Enough! Skylar, if you hate the bond so much, why not just reject me properly? End it. But no, you string me along with your 'duty' crap."

He finally looked at me fully, his expression hardening. "Because formal rejection requires council approval, Miss Marcus. And I won't drag the pack into this silly drama. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have actual work to do." He turned on his heel, yanking the door open.

But before he could leave, the door swung wider, and in stormed Professor Whyte, her eyes were wild with rage. "Skylar! There you are. The dean needs us both for the hearing prep. And what the hell is this? A family reunion in detention?"

Skylar sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Juliette, not now."

She ignored him, glaring at me. "You. Still causing trouble, I see. Enjoy your last night here, girl. I'm going to make sure your ass is expelled soon."

Tyler stepped forward, blocking her view of me. "Back off, Whyte. You're the one who started this with your crazy attack."

She sneered at him. "And you're the idiot brother enabling her. Skylar, let's go. We don't need this trash."

Skylar hesitated for a split second, his eyes meeting mine. There was no warmth, just that same dislike, like I was an unwelcome intruder in his perfect life. "Fine. Tyler, stay out of it." He followed Professor Whyte out, the door slamming behind them.

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding as my heart twisted. Skylar was leaving---with her. But now that we were mates, a tiny spark of hope flickered inside me.

Maybe, just maybe, the bond would wear him down. He had to feel it too, right?

Tyler turned to me, his sarcastic grin returning to his face. "See? He's an asshole. And Whyte? Total psycho. Now, about that deal—"

"No," I snapped, shoving the crumpled note into his chest. "I totally refuse, Tyler. I'm not accusing Skylar of anything. Especially not bullying. I'm not doing shit."

He caught the note, his eyes sparkled with amusement in response. "Completely refuse? Cute. But come on, Aliyah. Think about it. He treats you like shit. One little accusation, and I pull strings to clear your name. Scholarship intact, no expulsion. A win win."

I crossed my arms and glared at him. "And what, get him fired? Ruin his life? No way. He's my mate, Tyler. Even if he hates it, I'm not betraying him for your stupid twin rivalry."

He stepped closer, "Betraying? It's justice. He left the pack, left me to clean up his messes. And look at how he talks to you--- to him, you're just a student. Real romantic."

"Shut up," I hissed, poking his chest. "You're just jealous because the bond pulls me to him too. Admit it."

He grabbed my finger, holding it gently but firmly, pulling me a step nearer. "Jealous? Maybe a little. But mostly, I see a girl wasting her fire on a guy who doesn't deserve it. Me? I'd worship you, sweetheart."

He was obviously saying random things to rile me up.

I yanked my hand back, but the spark from his touch ran through me, making my cheeks heat. "Worship? Please. You'd probably just use me to piss him off more."

He laughed, "Guilty as charged. But admit it, that spark? It's electric. Better than his cold shoulder any day."

"Electric? More like annoying," I shot back, but I couldn't help the small smile tugging at my lips. Damn him and his charm.

He leaned in, his voice dropping. "Annoying, huh? Then why's your heart racing? I can hear it, you know."

I shoved him again, harder this time. "Because you're infuriating! Always with the cocky grins and the stupid deals. Just help me without strings, for once."

"Where's the fun in that?" He dodged my next shove, grabbing my wrists and pinning them lightly against the wall. "Come on, Aliyah. Say yes. Accuse him, and I'll make all this go away. Plus, bonus: more time for us to... explore this thing we have."

I twisted free, but stayed close, our faces inches apart. "What thing? You mean the one where I absolutely hate your annoying ass."

"My hot annoying ass," he countered, winking at me. "Admit it, you enjoy our back and forth."

"I enjoy nothing about this, it's annoying as hell" I said but my voice faltered as his scent hit me---- woodsy and intoxicating.

Maya purred. Oh shut up, Maya.

"Liar," he whispered, his breath warm on my ear. "I see it in your eyes. That hope for Skylar? It's fading. I know you will give in to this instead."

I pushed him back, creating space. "No. I'm not giving up on him. The bond's there for a reason. And I'm definitely not accusing him to feed your ego."

He groaned, running a hand through his low bun. "Stubborn as hell. Fine, no deal. But don't come crying when the hearing tanks your scholarship."

"I won't," I snapped. "Now get out. I need to think."

He paused at the door, turning back with that charming smirk. "Think about me, yeah? Goodnight, sweetheart."

"Get the fuck out!" I yelled, throwing the crumpled note at him. He caught it mid-air, laughing as he slipped away.

Alone now, I sank into the bed in the cell with my mind racing.

Skylar had left with Professor Whyte, probably plotting against me with her. But that look he gave me... there had to be something under the dislike. I had hope despite everything.

We were mates. He'd come around. He had to, because I was not giving up on Skylar Devile.