04

Maya's POV

“Bye, mom,” I said, waving to my mom, watching as the chauffeur drove off from the university gates.

I turned towards the gates, sighing for up to the hundredth time today.

How can this be happening to me?

I was thinking that this university would be a new start for me, a getaway from all my problems, so how come that jerk Jaxon Cross is here too?

I could still recollect the look mother and Alpha Damien had given me when I screamed yesterday.

“Is there a problem between you and Jaxon?“ Mother asked, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.

I forced a smile at her. “No. I was just too shocked that he goes there too.“

They stared at me for a long while, clearly not believing me but they finally nodded.

“Jaxon is in his second year and would be of help to you,” Alpha Damien said, his voice filled with concern. “I will call him to let him know his sister is attending the same school with him.“

As his fingers hovered around his phone screen, my chest tightened.

I could already imagine the disdain filled look that would cross that asshole face when he learns of it. He would probably accuse me of following him around even when he knows that isn't the case.

The phone rang once. No response.

As he tried to call again, I stopped. “I'm sure he is busy. I can figure out my way around the school. Thanks, Alpha Damien.“

He hesitated but nodded slowly and shoved his phone in his pockets.

“I will go pack my stuff,” I screamed as I ascended the staircase.

I grabbed my bags in both hands, walked past the gates after showing the guards my admission letter. I passed by the tall buildings and students—who looked at me like I was an alien that had just fallen from the sky. Then I made my way towards the administrative office to do my registration and get my dorm number. A few of the staff were nice while most of them acted like they were forced to be here.

Already exhausted, I wiped the beads of sweat forming on my forehead as I looked for the dorm number two hundred and fifty.

“Where are you, Dorm two hundred and fifty,” I whispered, my eyes glancing around the plate numbers on the tall buildings.

A smile spread across my face as I found my dorm. “Got it.“ I moved inside quickly.

Inside, I found three ladies, lounging on their beds.

“Hello.“ I waved at them.

Two of the girls greeted me with instant smiles, showed me to my bed and even offered me a bottle of water.

One had curly hair and a brown skin glowing under the sunlight —she looked more like an African. While the other was petite, with straight black hair and glasses, hugging a textbook to her chest —a typical bookworm.

"You're our new roommate!" The curly—haired beamed. "I'm Mia, accounting major."

"I'm Quinn," the girl with glasses said with a shy smile. "Healing and Herbalife major."

"I'm Maya," I said quietly. "Healing and Herbalife major too."

“Really?“ Quinn asked, her eyes widening in surprise. “We'll be taking the same classes together then."

But the third lady was uninterested. She leaned by the closet, arms folded, her eyes gleaming with quiet disdain.

We catch up on other topics; highschool attended, best course and pack names. I made sure to be careful while answering the questions.

_____

The next day.

The campus was buzzing with so much activity; students, dressed in dresser outfits with expensive dresses lounge around talking in groups. A cheerleading team was moving towards the school field.

I made a mental note that I was going to join the cheerleading team.

Quinn and I were moving towards the lecture hall when a disgustingly familiar voice called out, “Maya Cross “

I didn't need to turn back before I knew who it was.

Lyra Brooks.

How did I forget that Lyra and Ashen go to school here too. After high school, we've all planned to come here and they got in last year.

How could I run into them on my very first day?

“Go ahead. I will catch up with you soon,” I quickly said to Quinn because I could already sense the trouble looming ahead.

Quinn's gaze shifted back and then to me, suspicious but she didn't argue. She turned and walked away.

I rolled my eyes, then turned back, wearing a perfect smile on my face.

Lyra stood in a designer body con dress with ankle length boots, while Ashen was in a well tailored shirt and pants. And I hate to admit that they look so perfect together with that devilish smirk playing on their faces.

Come to think of it, aside from the crush I had always had for Ashen, I had never felt this pull or spark from him.

“Oh. I never knew I'd run into here,” I purred, stepping closer.

“Hmmmm, I see that you finally weasel your way in,” Lyra sneered, her voice thick with disdain as if my very presence made her skin crawl. “This place doesn't belong to slutty Omega like you.“

I didn't let her words affect me. “And a fake and manipulative person like you doesn't belong here either. And I hope you've been able to sleep well since I left the pack, since it feels like an ordinary Omega like myself has been unraveling you so much.“

The smirk washed off her face, replaced with shock. She must have been so surprised about my boldness. “Why did you say that?“

“Lyra,” Ashen chipped in. “Don't bother with her. Let's go or else we'll be late for class.“

The both of them cast me a glare and walked off.

I let out a long exasperated sigh.

I turned back and started walking towards the hall.

I was already running late, so I increased my pace and in the process I bumped into someone kitted in an ice hockey outfit.

My forehead slammed against a hard chest covered in sleek, padded fabric, and I stumbled back a step. I looked up, already muttering an apology when my breath caught.

He was dressed in a full ice hockey uniform—jersey clinging to broad shoulders, gloves in one hand, skates strapped and resting lazily at his sides. The helmet was off, revealing that infuriatingly handsome face.

Jaxon Cross.

Of course.

His green eyes narrowed instantly.

“Well, well,” he rasped, voice icy. “You’re here again.”

My spine stiffened. This school seems big but not big enough for me not to run into these annoying fellas. “Excuse me?”

He gave a humorless chuckle, then leaned in, lowering his voice so only I could hear. “You sure you’re not stalking me, step-sis. Or is this another act to ‘accidentally’ run into me?”

I opened my mouth to fire back, but before I could say anything, a low voice cut through the air behind us.

“Jaxon,” the man said.

We both turned toward the voice and I froze again.

He was older—maybe in his mid-thirties and so dead gorgeous. He had striking silver-streaked black hair, a sharp jawline, and the commanding presence of a man used to being obeyed. His golden eyes flicked from Jaxon to me with piercing precision.

“Uncle,” Jaxon muttered, bowing slightly.

Uncle?

Right. I could see the resemblance between him and Alpha Damien now.

The older man tilted his head, studying me now.

“Ah,” he said slowly, a knowing glint dancing in his gaze. “You must be Luna Selene’s daughter.”

I swallowed hard. “You know my mother?”

He gave a light nod, a smile ghosting his lips. “Of course. She's the new Luna of Northclaw Pack, isn't she?“

I nodded.

A whistle blew in the distance. One of Jaxon’s teammates called out from the far end of the hallway. “Yo, Jax! Let’s go, man!”

Jaxon grunted, already jogging off, but not before shooting me one last unreadable glance. “Try not to act like you know me,” he muttered, disappearing from the hallway.

Do you know him? Oh.. please. I've got better things to do.

I was about to walk away when the older man stepped forward, gently placing a hand on my arm to stop me.

“I’m Prince Ronan—the Dean of Healing and Herbalife,” he said smoothly, his voice dipping with something I couldn’t name but I felt an undeniable pull towards him. “And you, Maya… you’re my mate.”