Jealousy

Two days after the incident involving Ingrid and Rhea in the counseling room, Seara was getting used to the situation and conditions at Lycanisius. She often peeked into classes at the academy. Whereas before she had only attended the academy as a formality, now Seara felt a little regret after realizing her potential.

On Monday, the corridors were still crowded, training was still scheduled, and the morning bell still rang on time. For Seara, something felt different. The case was over, but its effects were still felt even as Seara stood on the grass field.

The way the young pack members looked at her. Some stares lingered too long. Some whispers stopped abruptly when she passed by.

At the end of the gate leading to the Advance Lecturer room, Delcy—too calm with her elegant demeanor.

Austin had changed too. He remained professional, still giving brief instructions when they passed each other, but no longer joking around like before. No more crooked smiles or teasing comments to Seara.

The distance was small, almost imperceptible, but enough for Seara to notice it every time.

[He's keeping his distance because you're indifferent to him.] whispered Arach.

"I don't care," Seara replied silently, even though her heart beat a little faster every time she saw Austin from a distance.

That night, Austin approached her in the practice hall.

"Have you ever taken a Young Healer class?" he asked casually, as if it were a normal topic.

Seara shook her head. "Not yet."

"There's a session tomorrow morning. Basic non-dominant healing. You'd be good at it," he said. "If you want."

Seara hesitated, but finally nodded. She liked the way Austin looked at her when he offered. Neutral, but attentive.

The next morning, after Seara had breakfast with the pack in the dining room, Austin reminded her to come to the Young Healer class.

"Remember, don't let your dress get caught and make you late for class." Austin saw Seara struggling with her long skirt.

The class was exhausting. Focus, breath control, precise energy touch. Seara went home with a heavy head, but her body felt calmer. For the first time in several days, her mind was not filled with thoughts of Delcy.

On Friday afternoon, when the Healer class was over, Seara stepped out of the room while tidying up her bag.

She stopped when she saw the handsome Alpha.

Austin was standing outside. Leaning against the corridor wall, arms folded, he looked relaxed, as if he had just happened to be passing by. But the clock on the wall showed that class had ended ten minutes ago.

Seara glanced at him briefly, then walked straight past him.

"Class is over?" asked Austin, adjusting his pace to walk beside her.

"It's obvious, isn't it?" replied Seara flatly.

The corners of Austin's lips lifted. "Pool party tonight. At Delcy's place. So you don't get bored."

Seara turned her head quickly. "I wasn't invited."

"I invited you," he said lightly. "Come with me."

Seara snorted softly, pretending not to care, even though something warm stirred in her chest.

“I thought you’d be busy mingling,” she said.

Austin glanced at her. “Maybe. But I still want you to come. There’ll be spiders crawling all over you in the room.”

“That’s a silly reason. Fine, I’ll come. Happy?”

That answer was enough for Austin to smile.

**

Seara regretted her decision the moment she stepped into the pool area.

Lights hung low between the trees, reflecting off the calm surface of the water. Music played softly but loudly enough to make conversation feel semi-secretive. The scent of alcohol and perfume mingled in the night air of the Lecturer pavilion.

Delcy had noticed her when she arrived with Austin. That alone was enough to make Seara wary.

She stood for a moment near the entrance, assessing the situation. Many familiar faces. Many she-wolves dressed up too much to just go swimming. Thin dresses, low-cut tops, fake laughter that was too loud.

Austin had already walked away from Seara and, of course, joined his friends, whom Seara didn't know.

Even so, Seara still refrained from getting annoyed. She kept her eyes on Austin, who was standing near the pool, his black shirt rolled up to his elbows, his hair slightly messy, as if on purpose. Several female wolves surrounded him, including Delcy.

Seara sighed softly.

"Calm down," she muttered to herself. "I just came. That's all."

[Lying again.] Arach's voice appeared in her head. [You came because of him.]

"I came because of the invitation," Seara replied silently. "Not because of Austin."

[Hypocrite.]

Seara snorted softly and stepped forward.

Austin called out to Seara shortly after. His gaze lingered a fraction of a second longer than it should have before the corners of his lips lifted.

“Seara,” he said, approaching her. “Come here.”

“I thought you forgot,” Seara replied flatly. “I was about to leave.”

"Delcy's having a party," Austin chuckled. "I have to say hello to her, don't I?"

Delcy slipped between them with a perfect smile. "Seara. I'm glad you could come."

Her voice was as sweet as candy, enough to make anyone cough if they ate too much of it.

"The pool is nice," Seara replied briefly.

"Have a drink first," Delcy handed her a tall glass filled with a brightly colored liquid. "It's light. Perfect for a female wolf like you."

Seara glanced at the glass, then at Austin.

"Just take it," Austin said casually. "If you don't like it, I'll drink it."

Seara took it. At least she was still welcome there.

The first sip tasted sweet. A little sour. Cold.

"Is this a cocktail?" she asked.

"More or less," Delcy replied lightly.

Austin had already moved on, laughing with two other she-wolves who were clearly enjoying his attention. Both of their arms were wrapped around his waist. Even Seara could clearly see that their breasts were deliberately pressed against Austin's body.

Seara stood by the pool, unconsciously drinking half a glass.

"Land crocodile," Seara muttered.

She began to feel uncomfortable. She already knew she didn't like Austin being groped by those female wolves, but she still couldn't take her eyes off him.

To make matters worse, Delcy started to make a move. She kissed Austin's neck and Austin closed his eyes as if he was enjoying it.

Seara squeezed her glass.

[He's always been like that.] said Arach. [When he's drunk.]

"That's no excuse," Seara replied silently. "And I don't care. Even if he's making out with Betty Boobs."

[You're lying.]

Seara took another sip. And another.

Time passed without her noticing. The music seemed louder. The lights seemed brighter. Her head began to feel light.

"This isn't a light cocktail," she muttered.

She laughed to herself, a little unsteadily.

Austin turned to her. "Are you okay?"

"Why?" Seara narrowed her eyes. "Afraid I'll ruin your boyfriend's party?"

Delcy was nearby, and Seara deliberately raised her voice so the female wolf could hear her.

Austin raised his eyebrows. "Since when is Delcy my girlfriend?"

Delcy smiled. "Don't start drama at my party."

Seara held back a laugh. "Relax. I'm just a mosquito."

She walked away before Austin could answer.

Seara sat at the edge of the pool, her legs dangling over the water. Her head began to throb lightly. The alcohol was working faster than she had expected.

[Stop drinking.] Arach commanded.

"Don't be so bossy!" Seara replied softly. "I'm fine."

She stood up again, taking a new glass from the table without really looking at its contents. The first sip tasted more bitter. But she didn't care.

She saw Austin laughing again. Delcy touched her arm. Another she-wolf approached.

Seara's chest tightened. The feeling came without permission. Hot. Uncomfortable.

"Oh my God," she muttered. "This is ridiculous."

[You want it.] said Arach. [And you hate it.]

Seara laughed softly, unsteadily. "I don't want anyone."

She stepped forward, but the floor near the pool was slippery. Her sandals slipped slightly.

She lost her balance. It all happened quickly.

Seara had time to curse before her body fell forward.

Cold water engulfed her.

The sound of music was instantly muffled. The lights turned dim. Water entered her nose and mouth.

Panic immediately seized her. She kicked, moved her hands—randomly. She couldn't swim.

Her chest felt tight. Her head throbbed violently. Alcohol made her body heavy and sluggish.

[Calm down!] Arach growled. [Move your legs!]

"I can't! My legs are stiff," Seara shouted underwater, her voice reduced to bubbles.

Her hands clawed at the water. Panic made her sink further. Then, strong hands grabbed her arms.

Seara coughed as her head broke the surface. Air rushed roughly into her lungs.

Austin emerged from the churning water. His hair was wet. His face was tense. One hand supported Seara's back, pulling her to the edge of the pool.

"Hold me," Austin commanded sharply.

Seara obeyed without thinking. Her body trembled.

Austin lifted her out with great effort. He fell to his knees on the floor, gasping for breath.

People began to gather. Delcy looked panicked.

"Is she okay?" someone asked.

Austin didn't answer. His focus was only on Seara.

"Why did you drink so much?" his voice was low, angry, mixed with fear.

Seara chuckled softly, coughing. "I thought... it was juice."

Austin cursed softly.

He took off his jacket and covered Seara's shoulders without asking. His hands remained on Seara's back, making sure she sat up straight.

"Don't fall asleep," he said. "Look at me."

Seara lifted her face. Their gazes met.

There was something in Austin's eyes that she had never seen before. He was worried about Seara. He was the one who had invited her to this party, and Seara was his responsibility.

His chest trembled strangely. Austin wanted to be angry at Seara, but seeing that she was having trouble breathing normally, he held back.

[Finally you understand, Seara] whispered Arach. [The bond is real. He's worried about you.]

Seara swallowed. She leaned back slightly, too tired to fight.

"Why did you help me?"