Chapter 21

Aliyah's POV

I didn't know what possessed me, but my fingers tightened around Kelly's neck like a rope, I squeezed harder as the pounding in my head drowned out everything else. She clawed at my hand, her nails digging into my skin, but it was fruitless for her. Her face turned red and her eyes bulged in shock and fear.

"Aliyah! Stop!" Tyler barked, lunging across the island. He grabbed my wrist with both hands, yanking hard, but I didn't budge. His muscles strained, the veins popping in his arms. "What the hell are you doing?! Let go!"

Becca scrambled over, prying at my fingers one by one. "Aliyah, please! You're hurting her!" Her voice cracked, but even with her pulling and Tyler heaving, my grip held firm. It was like my body wasn't mine anymore–some feral strength had surged through me, that was what was controlling me now.

Kelly wheezed, kicking weakly as she continued to choke out. "Ali... yah... stop..."

Then the pain in my skull spiked to its climax, and then shattered like glass. The fog lifted and I blinked severally, the horror of realization slamming into me. My hand flew open, and Kelly collapsed back onto the stool, gasping hard for air as she rubbed her throat.

I had just strangled my best friend. Almost killed her!

"Oh my god, Kelly! I'm so sorry!" I reached for her, but she flinched away. "I didn't mean to– I swear... I... I don't know what happened. Are you okay? Please, say something! I'm so sorry." I tried pleading with her even though I knew that would never be enough.

I didn't even have explanation for what I just did. I don't know what came over me. All I was seeing was red and nothing.

She coughed, glaring at me through watery eyes. "What the fuck, Aliyah?! You almost choked me to death! Over a headache?!"

Tyler stepped between us, he put his hands on my shoulders, holding me back gently. "Easy, both of you. Aliyah, seriously, what was that? You went full beast mode there."

"I... I don't know." I rubbed my temples, the ache had faded to nothing. All I felt was regret and confusion now, "It was like something took over me. The pain hit, and then... everything went blank. Kelly, I swear, I'd never hurt you on purpose. Forgive me? Please? I'm so sorry."

Becca hovered by Kelly, handing her a glass of water. "Drink this. Your neck's gonna bruise. Aliyah, that wasn't normal. You were strong– like, alpha strong. We couldn't even pry you off. The three of us, Professor Tyler included!"

Kelly sipped the water, still eyeing me warily. "Yeah, well, apology accepted. But damn, girl, warn a bitch next time you decide to go Hulk on me." She managed a weak smirk, but it didn't reach her eyes.

We were all confused and taken aback.

Tyler chuckled, trying to lighten the mood, but his eyes scanned me with concern. "Hulk? Nah, more like She-Wolf on steroids. You okay now? No more urges to strangle your friends?"

I swatted his arm. "Not funny, Tyler. And yeah, the headache's gone. Like it never happened." I turned back to Kelly. "Seriously, I'm mortified. Let me make it up to you–ice cream run later? My treat."

She waved it off. "Fine, whatever. Just don't make a habit of it. We good?"

"We good," I said, pulling her into a quick hug. She stiffened at first, then relaxed.

Becca fidgeted. "But what caused it? The ritual? An aftermath of the venom? Maybe we should call a doctor or something."

Tyler shook his head. "No doctor. This is wolf stuff–probably a side effect from the healing. Aliyah's Zeen wolf powers might be kicking in weird. We'll monitor it." Then he locked his eyes on mine, "You'll be fine."

I nodded, though unease still twisted in my gut. "Yeah, let's not freak out yet. I've been through enough drama for one lifetime."

Tyler grinned, slinging an arm around my waist and pulling me close. "Speaking of drama, you owe me for saving your ass– again. How about a thank-you kiss?"

I rolled my eyes, and shoved him, "Dream on, professor. You didn't save anything, I snapped out of it myself." I quickly glanced at my friends who were pretending to look away.

I know Tyler is my mate but it still kinda looked weird, Skylar was his brother for goddess sake.

He leaned in, his breath tickling my ear. "Oh, come on. Just a peck. For heroic efforts."

Kelly groaned. "Get a room, you two. Or at least wait till we're gone."

Becca blushed. "Yeah, uh, we should head out anyway. Classes start soon."

Tyler released me with a wink. "Fine, rain check on that kiss. But seriously, Aliyah–you must tell me if anything feels off."

I shoved him playfully. "Bossy much? I'll be fine. Thanks for everything, though."

He ruffled my hair. "Anytime, troublemaker."

We wrapped up breakfast quick and I headed out. Tyler insisted on driving us back to campus, but I shot that down. "No way. People see me rolling up with you? Instant gossip material for the next two weeks."

"Oh please, you're not that interesting for gossip material, Aliyah." He said, rolling his eyes dramatically.

I flipped him off, "See you."

Back on campus, the buzz hit me like a wave. Students whispered as I walked by, but I ignored it, heading straight for my literature class. I needed normalcy, even though I would be anything but normal in my literature class.

And as if the devil himself was on cue, I bumped into Skylar–literally. I turned a corner too fast and slammed into his chest. Books scattered everywhere.

"Watch where you're going," he snapped, not even bending to help. His emerald eyes were cold, no hint of warmth or concern. As usual.

"Sorry, Professor Deville," I muttered, kneeling to grab my stuff. "I didn't see you."

He crossed his arms. "Clearly. And it's about time you showed up. Missing a week of classes? That is unacceptable. You're not expecting special treatment just because of that stupid mate bond, right?"

I stood, clutching my books. "I was... sick. Really sick."

Fuck this man. I never expected him to treat me specially. Just treat me without scorn, was all I asked for. Well, maybe and more.

He scoffed. "Silly excuses. If you're not prepared for today's lecture, that's on you. Move along, Miss Marcus."

Wait. He knew I was poisoned and almost died, right?

No "how are you?" No "glad you're okay." Just pure asshole mode. It stung, but I bit back my retort. "Yes, sir."

He strode off without another word, leaving me fuming. Why did I still care? Mate bond or not, he was a total jerk.

I caught up with Kelly and Becca outside the dorms. "Hey, you two. Ready for the day?"

Kelly linked arms with me. "After your little choke-fest? Barely. But yeah, let's grab coffee before class."

Becca nodded. "Sounds good. I need caffeine to deal with all this weirdness."

We headed to the campus cafe, chatting about nothing– Kelly was ranting about cheer practice, Becca shared a lab mishap. It felt almost normal. Something I had missed terribly

Until we turned the corner and nearly collided with Leah. She was strutting down the path like she owned it, her hair perfect, outfit screaming "I'm desperate for attention".

"Watch it," she sneered, stopping short. "Oh, it's you three. The reject squad."

Kelly bristled. "Excuse me? Coming from the runaway bride?"

Leah flipped her hair. "Please. At least I have a title. What do you have? Daddy issues and a cheer skirt?"

I stepped forward. "Leah, cut the crap. We're not in the mood."

She smirked, eyeing me up and down. "Look who's back from the dead. Heard you had a little... incident. Rogue wolf bite, right? Nasty business."

Becca frowned. "How do you know about that?"

Leah shrugged. "Word gets around. Especially when it's so... targeted. Zeen wolves are rare prizes, after all."

Kelly narrowed her eyes. "Targeted? What do you mean?"

Leah laughed, a sharp, bitchy sound. "Oh, come on. You think rogues just wander into campus? Someone has to send them. And let's be real, Aliyah–you've pissed off a lot of people. Me included."

I froze. "You? Did you‐--"

She cut me off with a wave. "Please. As if I'd stoop to that. But hey, if I wanted you gone, I'd make sure the job was done right. No half-assed bites."

Becca gasped. "That's a threat?"

Leah rolled her eyes. "Grow up. It's just facts. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have better things to do than chat with commoners."

She pushed past us and walked off.

We all stared after her, our jaws were literally on the floor.

"Did she just...?" Kelly whispered.

"Yeah," I said with my heart pounding. "She did. She sent that rogue."