Unfinished Business

Bella sat at the edge of her bed, gazing at the paper Eve had placed in her hand. The words stared back at her, daring her to take an uncertain step.

Be intentional about your looks—dress flirty to catch the attention of unmated males.

Flirt with some guys to make Marcus jealous.

Get a boyfriend… and sleep with him.

Her chest tightened at the last one. "Really, Eve?" she asked, looking up at her friend in disbelief.

Eve crossed her arms, unflinching. "Yes, Bella. You have nothing to lose if this theory works or not."

Joy, who had been silent, suddenly placed a pen in Bella’s hand. “Sign it.”

Even Joy?

Bella hesitated. Joy had always believed in destiny, in the Moon Goddess’ will. But tonight, her eyes held no sympathy, only firm resolve.

"He doesn’t deserve your loyalty," Joy spat.

Bella exhaled sharply, her fingers trembling as she signed the paper.

********

The next morning, Bella barely recognized herself.

Eve had covered her broken mirror until the transformation was complete. Now, as Joy yanked the cloth away, Bella’s breath caught.

She looked… stunning.

Her silky blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders, smooth and glossy. The black top clung to her form, while the white skirt barely covered her thighs. The thigh-high boots completed the look, adding a bold, confident edge.

Joy grinned. “Now, behold thy gorgeous self!”

Bella swallowed. She wasn’t used to this version of herself—the one who turned heads instead of hiding in the shadows.

Eve high-fived her. "Now that’s my girl!"

Downstairs, her mother’s eyes widened in pleasant surprise. “My goodness, you girls look stunning!”

Bella kissed her mother’s cheek. "Mom," she murmured, noting the happiness in her mother’s eyes.

Before her mother could say more, Eve tugged Bella toward the door. "No time for sentiments! Operation payback starts now!"

Amanda barely finished with her breakfast and scrambled to catch up.

********

The moment they stepped onto the school grounds, whispers erupted around them.

Some were admiring.

Some were cruel.

"Did you see her?"

"Marcus' mate, the rejected one."

"Gosh, who gets rejected by their mate?"

"I’d die of shame if I were her."

Bella’s fingers curled, nails digging into her palm. She took a deep breath, held her head high, and smiled—swaying her hips a little more.

Eve shot her a knowing wink.

Marcus stood by the lockers, laughing with his friends, oblivious to the stir Bella had caused. His wavy hair fell carelessly over his forehead, and his sharp jawline tensed as he spoke.

Her wolf, Hilda, stirred restlessly. The mate bond still clung to her, no matter how much she willed it away.

Then, Max noticed her.

His gaze traveled over her body, darkening with interest.

Bella met his stare and gave him a tiny, knowing smile.

Ken followed Max’s line of sight, his lips parting slightly as he took in Bella’s transformation.

Marcus' nostrils flared.

He turned, his eyes locking onto her like a wolf scenting a storm.

Bella let her smile fade, her gaze cold as she flicked her hair and looked away.

Eve whispered behind her, “Phase one is a success. Moving on to phase two.”

********

Inside the classroom, Bella barely had time to sit before Marcus barged in.

Eve slid into a chair nearby, watching the unfolding scene with interest.

Marcus didn’t take his usual seat. Instead, he dropped into the one directly behind Bella. His intense gaze burned into her back, the air between them thick with tension.

She ignored him.

Instead, she reached up and casually swept her hair to one side, exposing her bare neck—the very spot where mates marked each other.

A low growl vibrated behind her.

Eve smirked, biting back a chuckle.

Just then, Max strolled in. Bella turned, offering him a playful smile.

"Hey," she purred.

Max grinned, his signature slow smile that melted girls’ hearts. “Hello, beautiful.” His eyes flicked to her exposed neck, his wolf responding instinctively to the invitation she hadn’t even spoken aloud.

The growl behind her deepened.

Max hesitated, as if sensing the impending explosion, then quickly took a seat beside Marcus.

Bella stole a glance over her shoulder.

Marcus’ jaw was clenched so tightly it looked like he was grinding his teeth to dust. His nostrils flared, his dark eyes practically glowing with fury.

Even now, he was so damn good-looking, it made her heart ache.

Hilda howled inside her, torn between anger and longing.

Not now, Hilda.

The teacher walked in, calling for attention.

Bella inhaled sharply and picked up a piece of paper, scribbling quickly before passing it to Eve.

She read it, her lips curving in amusement.

Before she could slide it back, a hand shot forward, snatching the note from her grasp.

The paper crumpled in Marcus’ grip. His fingers flexed as if resisting the urge to shred it entirely.

Then, without reading it aloud, he crushed it into a tight ball and hurled it against the wall.

The class fell silent.

The teacher paused mid-sentence, stunned.

Marcus shoved his chair back and stormed out, the door slamming so hard behind him that the walls trembled.

Bella stared at the discarded note, her pulse hammering in her ears.

The words were still fresh in her mind.

"Max is so hot. He will be the perfect boyfriend!"

And Eve’s response:

"Yes, honey. I support this. Go for him!!!!"