Chapter 9

After having my lunch, I went straight to my next class. I had an exam in Pathophysiology, and even though my mind was still spinning from what happened earlier, I forced myself to focus and ace my exam. I kept reminding myself to just finish the dy.

One class at a time.

When the exam was done, I had only ten minutes to change into my PE uniform. My next class was in the campus gym, and even though Ryan and Regina were in the same class, I wasn't too worried, our groups were already permanent, and thankfully, I wasn't placed with them.

I was rushing down the corridor while digging through my bag to check if I packed my water bottle, when I accidentally bumped into someone. A pile of books and folders scattered across the floor.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry!" I dropped to my knees immediately to help her gather the papers.

"No, no, it's okay! I wasn't watching where I was going either," the girl said.

When I looked up, she was already smiling at me like we'd known each other for years.

"You're Sarah, right? I'm in your Biology class," she added shyly.

"Really? I'm sorry, I don't think I've seen you before."

She gave a light laugh. "It's fine. I don't exactly stand out. I'm kind of a nobody in class."

I frowned at that. "Well, not to me. I'm Sarah," I said, holding out a hand even though she already knew.

"I'm Lily," she replied, shaking it. "Are you heading to the gym?"

"Yeah! Let's walk together."

It felt nice to meet someone kind, someone who didn't look at me like I was a problem.

When we stepped into the gym, the sound of sneakers squeaking against the floor and basketballs bouncing filled the space. My eyes wandered across the room and then I froze.

At the far end of the gym, Ethan Blackstone was playing basketball. He was wearing a sleeveless shirt, his arms and shoulders flexing with every movement. His hair was slightly damp, probably from earlier practice.

And even from here, I could see the faint werewolf marks on his collarbone.

"You okay?" Lily nudged me.

"Huh? Yeah, yeah, I'm fine."

She followed my gaze and smiled knowingly. "Ah... you're looking at Ethan."

I quickly looked away. "No! I mean, he's just... there."

Lily giggled. "I don't blame you. I love this class because the first section of Biology always shares the gym with us. Which means we get to see the triplets every week."

I blinked. "Wait. Every week?"

"Yeah... didn't you know? Ethan, Jason, and Tyler always come here for their PE class."

I honestly had no idea. For the past few months, I'd been so absorbed in avoiding Ryan and dealing with everything else that I never even noticed.

Our professor, Coach Emmett, clapped his hands and blew his whistle. "Alright everyone! Let's group up. We'll be doing mixed sports today. Basketball, volleyball, and some relay challenges. Let's warm up and then pick a station."

There was a collective groan from the class, but everyone still moved to their spots.

"No complaints!" Coach grinned. "This is part of your grade, and no switching groups mid-game!"

I was stretching near the bleachers with Lily when something hard slammed into the side of my shoulder. The impact threw me off balance and I hit the floor, my hand flying to the side of my head.

"Ow—what the—" I winced, blinking rapidly as a wave of dizziness hit me.

Someone had thrown a ball which probably a dodgeball or something heavier and it had nailed me right in the temple.

Voices started rising. People were whispering. My vision blurred slightly before two figures suddenly stood over me.

One of them kneeled down.

"Sarah," a familiar voice said. "Are you okay?"

I blinked, and when my vision cleared, I saw Ryan kneeling beside me, his brows furrowed with concern. "Let me help—"

But then another presence pulled my attention away.

Ethan.

He crouched beside me, his intense gaze locked on my face. He didn't speak right away. His hand reached for mine, surprisingly gentle as he checked the side of my head.

"She's bleeding a little," Ethan said quietly. "Someone must've thrown it too hard."

I tried to sit up. "I'm fine. I just… I need a minute."

Students were whispering all around us. The human girl who used to be invisible was now being helped by two of the most feared alphas in the school.

"Do you want me to take you to the infirmary?" Ryan asked.

Before I could answer, Ethan glared at him. "I've got it."

Ryan tensed but didn't argue.

I felt like the entire gym was watching us. Whispers hummed in my ears, and even though I wanted to disappear, I also didn't miss how Regina's eyes burned from across the court.