Chapter 21

Aliyah's POV

I stood there, frozen on the path, staring at Leah's retreating back as she sashayed away like she hadn't just dropped a bomb. Kelly grabbed my arm, her nails digging in. "Did you hear that? 'Targeted'? 'Someone has to send them'? That bitch totally sent the rogue!"

Becca nodded furiously, her eyes wide. "Yeah, and she basically admitted she's got motive. Pissed off people, including her? We need proof. Like, yesterday."

I clenched my fists, anger bubbling up. "Okay, fine. Let's dig into her. Where's she been lately? She's been MIA half the time. Motels with Jude? That's a start. We track her movements, find out if she's been meeting any shady types."

Kelly smirked, pulling out her phone. "I'm on it. As cheer captain, I hear everything. Let's head to the dorm and brainstorm. Becca, you got any dirt from your... connections?"

Becca flushed, glancing around. "Maybe. My, uh, friend might know rogue hangouts. But we have to be careful. If Leah's royalty, this could blow up."

We hustled back to the dorm, slamming the door behind us. Kelly flopped onto her bed and started scrolling through her contacts. "Alright, spill. Leah's been dodging classes, right? Last I heard, she was spotted at that sketchy bar on the edge of town. The one with the back rooms for 'private meetings'."

I paced the room, my mind racing. "And she was with Jude before. Maybe he's in on it. We need to tail her, see where she goes."

Becca sat cross-legged on the floor, biting her lip. "What about her phone? Or her room? She's got that fancy suite in the royal wing. If we could sneak in..."

Kelly laughed sharply. "Sneak in? To Princess Bitch's lair? Bold. I like it. But we need a distraction. Aliyah, you're the Zeen wolf–use that charm or whatever."

I rolled my eyes. "Charm? Please. But yeah, let's plan this. First, I need to loop in Tyler. He might have pack resources to help track rogues."

Becca raised an eyebrow. "Tyler? As in Professor Deville? You sure that's smart? After everything?"

"He's my mate," I snapped, then softened. "And he's been... helpful. Trust me."

Kelly groaned. "Fine, but don't get all lovey-dovey on us. We got a bitch to take down."

I shot Tyler a quick text: Need to talk. Urgent. Meet at your place?

His reply came fast: On my way. Door's open, troublemaker.

I slipped out and made it to his house on time. He was waiting in the kitchen, leaning against the counter with that smug grin, arms crossed over his chest. "Well, if it isn't my favorite near-death experience. What's the crisis this time? Another headache? Or did you miss me?"

I shoved past him, heading straight for the living room. "Cut the crap, Tyler. This is serious. We think Leah sent that rogue wolf to bite me."

He straightened, all playfulness gone for a second, then it crept back with a raised eyebrow. "Leah? The princess? That's a bold accusation. Do you have evidence?"

"Not yet," I admitted, flopping onto the couch. "But she basically hinted at it today. Said the attack was targeted, that I've pissed people off, including her. We need to investigate her whereabouts. Recent ones. You got pack connections? Rogues don't just show up on campus."

He sat beside me, too close, his thigh brushing mine. "Maybe. But what's in it for me? Helping my mate investigate royalty sounds risky."

I elbowed him. "Your mate? Last I checked, you were all about the bond when it suited you. Help or don't, but don't play games."

He chuckled, draping an arm over the back of the couch, his fingers grazing my shoulder. "Oh, I'm playing. Now that you're not dying on me, I can afford to. Remember that rain check on the kiss? From breakfast?"

"Tyler!" I swatted his hand away, but he caught it, holding it lightly. "Focus, please. Leah's been MIA, hanging at motels, bars. She could have been meeting rogues. Can you pull strings? Check pack borders or something?"

He leaned in, his breath warm on my neck. "For you? Anything. But say please."

I yanked my hand free, glaring. "Please, you insufferable ass."

He laughed, a full and genuine one. "There she is. Fine, I'll make calls. My beta network owes me favors. Give me a few hours‐ I'll dig into rogue movements around Silver Haven."

"Good." I stood to leave, but he grabbed my wrist, pulling me back down.

"Not so fast. You okay? After the choke thing with Kelly? No more... episodes?"

I sighed, sinking back. "Yeah, fine. It was weird, but gone now. Thanks for asking, I guess."

He winked. "See? I'm not all bad. Now, about that kiss–"

"Fuck off, Tyler." I pushed him away, but he tugged me closer, our faces inches apart.

"One day, Aliyah. You'll beg for it."

I rolled my eyes. "In your dreams, professor."

"Every night." He released me with a grin. "Go. I'll text you what I find."

When I returned back to campus, I linked up with Kelly and Becca at the cafe. "Tyler's on it."

Kelly sipped her coffee. "Cool. We got a lead too. Leah's been seen at The Howling Den– that dive bar off Route 5. Tonight's our shot. We will tail her."

Becca nodded. "I overheard some cheer girls. She's meeting someone there at 8. They say it's a shady dude, maybe a rogue contact."

"Perfect," I said. "We have to go disguised. We would wear hoodies and no wolf scents if we can help it."

As we planned, my phone buzzed. Skylar: Come to my office. Now. Assignment discussion.

My heart skipped at the message. This was my first text from Skylar.

I stood up, with my eyes still trained on my phone. "Uhmm. Sky--Professor Skylar is asking for me. I have to go. Will be back soon."

Kelly smirked. "Be careful, Aliyah." I heard her say but I was already gone.

I headed to his office and knocked once before entering. He was at his desk, there were papers everywhere and he did not even look up. "Miss Marcus. Late as usual."

"I just got your text," I shot back, closing the door. "What's this about, Professor?"

He finally glanced up, those emerald eyes looked at me coldly. "Your missed work. I gave the class an assignment. It's been due for a week now. I expect it by tomorrow. No extensions."

I crossed my arms. "I was poisoned, remember? I almost died?"

He scoffed, leaning back. "Excuses. If you can't keep up, just drop the class. Poisoned or not, you're nothing special here."

That stung. "Nothing special? Says the guy who rejected me to save his ass."

He stood abruptly, towering over me. "Watch your tone. This is my office, not your playground. Turn in your assignment or you fail the class."

"Fine," I snapped, turning to leave. "Anything else, Professor?"

He grabbed my arm, spinning me back. "Don't test me, Aliyah. You think that bond means I care? It doesn't because I don't give a shit about you."

I yanked free. "Message received. Loud and clear."

I stormed out, fuming. Why did he still get under my skin like that?