CHAPTER 7

Alexis's Point of View

Don't worry too much. It's just one day with three classes.

I just have to stay at the university and risk my life for three classes. Two in the morning, one in the afternoon.

The alpha of the Blood Moon group definitely won't come this early, right?

You can do it, Alexis. That fear is only in your head. With this pendant, no one will recognize your true identity.

Remember all the outsiders you've killed. Remember how you've passed through so many packs without ever being detected by them.

You can do this. You're extraordinary, and you'll get through this too. You can't let a whole year of fighting and running be for nothing.

I took a deep breath, prepared myself, and gathered all my strength to face this big day.

"Lexi? You look a little pale. You've been looking serious," Audrey's voice snapped me out of my trance.

I turned and realized that I had been standing in front of the mirror for almost twenty minutes.

Am I okay?

Am I really okay?

I didn't know why I felt so messed up, but ever since I heard the news that an Alpha was coming to the university, I felt like my cover was about to be blown.

I had repeatedly told myself that I could handle this and continue attending classes as usual. However, no matter how hard I tried to calm myself down, every time the image of the most feared Alpha in the world appeared in my head, my legs would immediately start shaking.

He was feared by everyone for a reason.

I’ve never met him in person. All information about him is blocked by the council, and no one can request data about an Alpha without providing a valid reason.

To be honest, I’ve never had any desire to find out more about him either.

And I never imagined that I would be in the same place as him. Never.

I guess this is what they call misfortune. And unfortunately, that is the reality I now have to face.

"Are you... are you ready? Let's go, we're going to be late," I said finally, forcing a sweet smile.

"I've been ready for thirty minutes," Audrey replied with a small laugh. "You're the one who spent almost twenty minutes looking in the mirror. Are you nervous about meeting the university founder? Don't worry, dear. Even when you're sick, you're still the prettiest girl on campus."

She winked at me.

I had just opened my mouth to reply when the door opened and Shane walked in without knocking.

"Shane! Can't you knock first? We're women, for God's sake!" Audrey shouted, her eyes wide.

She then looked at me with an apologetic expression. I just waved my hand, signaling that I didn't mind.

Honestly, I didn't have the energy to be offended.

My life, and all my achievements over the past year, were at stake. My mind was too busy thinking about big things to care about trivial matters.

“I’m sorry, honey. I thought you were alone. I didn’t realize Lexi was here,” Shane said, looking at me sincerely.

“It’s okay,” I replied, picking up my bag.

However, seeing them standing side by side like that made my chest ache.

If my partner wasn't that stupid, maybe I would be like them too. If he was as loving as Shane was to Audrey, I wouldn't be going through all this.

We would live happily in the pack. And even though everyone treated me cruelly, my partner's love would cover everything. They would respect me because I was their Luna.

How romantic that would be...

"Come on," Ariana's voice appeared in my head. "Stop drowning in imaginary scenarios that will never happen. Start living in the present. And in the present, we will face the most dangerous Alpha in the world."

I rolled my eyes at the sound of my inner voice.

When I arrived at campus, I glanced at Audrey and Shane. My eyes felt hot.

I knew this would be difficult, but I had to say it now.

I had broken too many rules. It was time for me to leave their apartment and find temporary housing.

I didn't want any trouble coming their way. They were two of the few people who truly accepted me. People I would even give my life for.

I took a deep breath, then looked at them quickly.

“Guys… there are still a few minutes before class starts. Uhm… can we talk for a moment?”

“Sure, Lexi. We’re listening,” Audrey replied with a bright smile, a smile that only made my chest feel tighter.

"I... am going to leave that apartment."

"What?" Audrey's eyes widened. "If you want to travel again, let me remind you that your grades have dropped and—"

"No," I interrupted quickly. "I'm not going to travel. I'm moving out of your apartment. I'm going to live on my own from now on."

“Lex, if this is about today, I’m sorry, but—” Shane tried to speak.

“It’s not that,” I interrupted again. “I just feel… I have to start living on my own. I’ve been depending on you guys for too long.”

“What are you talking about?” Audrey’s voice trembled. “You pay sixty percent of the rent. Not to mention all the food you buy every day. How can you say you’re freeloading? We’re here because of you.”

She gripped my hand tightly, her eyes glistening.

My heart broke seeing her like that.

“Stupid,” Ariana muttered in my head.

“This doesn’t mean I’m leaving forever,” I said quickly. “Remember the little house by the river I told you about? I’ll stay there for a while. It’s only temporary, I promise.”

I smiled, even though inside I hated myself for making a promise I might not be able to keep.

"Are you sure?" Shane asked hesitantly. "I mean, if this is about me—"

"No," I replied firmly. "You guys are the best thing this campus has ever given me. Really. Come on, let's go to class now."

I hugged them both.

“But promise me you’ll see me every day on campus,” Audrey said softly.

I smiled.

If they knew I was a monster, they would never be this close to me. They would be afraid. They would run away.

I smiled bitterly, then turned and walked toward my department.

“Ping! Ping!”

Notifications on my phone stopped me in my tracks.

[The university founder is here!]

[He’s so handsome!]

I scrolled through the screen.

[The professor said he’ll visit the biotechnology department first. It’s his favorite subject.]

My heart beat faster.

The biotechnology department?

What is a killer like him doing there?

I stopped in the middle of the corridor.

Then I smelled it.

The scent of a wolf.

I lifted my face from my phone and found five pairs of eyes staring at me, sharp, suspicious, confused.

Do I still have a second chance in this life?

“No,” Ariana’s voice sounded cold. “We have to face him.”

I lifted my head and stared straight ahead.