Chapter 18

Prue

I flopped onto my bed and stared at the ceiling, replaying the chaos that was my school day.

Kissing Kate? A stroke of genius. I smirked, picturing poor Alpha clutching his chest like he'd been hit with a silver bullet. Oh, darling, your reign is over. Time to burn.

I smirked wickedly.

But – ugh – that kiss. That kiss. Maybe there’s something to be said about kissing girls. Should I... explore that?

My mind spiraled into all the ways I could mess with Alpha’s perfectly controlled little world. Ideas bounced around like popcorn in a microwave, but three glorious moves floated to the top. Step one, step two, and for the cherry on top…

***

I walked in like I’d been cast as the main character in a show only I could star in. If attitude had a volume, mine was blasting. I was barely dressed, but thanks to my convenient werewolf body temperature I didn’t feel that cold. Off went the leather jacket, revealing a black camisole crop top with spaghetti straps. No bra, naturally. I paired it with a red mini skirt that was practically a threat to public decency. And yes, red lace underneath, just in case. I did consider going commando, but let’s be real – flashing a teacher would derail the whole mission. I still have standards. Well, some.

I balanced the look with killer heels – because today, height mattered.

Books in hand, lollipop between my lips. Showtime.

As I turned toward the classroom, all the boys’ eyes followed. Teenage boys are so predictable – they think with one brain cell and it's not the one between their ears.

I picked today for one delicious reason: I share a class with the young Alpha. Young being the keyword. Can you believe he’s younger than me? I should be babysitting him, not plotting his emotional destruction. I snorted in my mind. Next thing you know, I’ll need parental permission to flirt with him. Ha, my mind was hilarious today!

I took a long inhale. His scent. He was already here. I exhaled slowly, savoring the victory before it even started. Game time.

Lollipop still in my mouth, I pushed open the door, eyes scanning until – bingo. His eyes hooked into mine like they had a grudge to settle – or a promise to make. Then his eyes dragged down my body like he wanted to devour me and strangle me in the same breath. His jaw clenched.

Exactly the reaction I wanted.

I slowly slid the lollipop out of my mouth, licking it languidly. Oh, Alpha, did you wish that was you instead? His shifting and adjusting said it all.

No seat near him – ugh. But I could work with this.

I sauntered over to a guy one row over – cute, soft-looking, the type who probably still blushes when girls say “hi.”

"Mike," at least I thought that was his name – "I'd love to sit here today. Would you mind switching spots, sweetheart?"

I purred, sweet as honey, while a low growl rumbled from Alpha boy's direction – masked by a cough, how original. I arched a disapproving brow. Oh no, sweetheart, you don’t get to play possessive over someone you were so eager to throw away. I turned back to Mike with a saccharine smile, eyes soft as sugar.

Mike stared like I’d just short-circuited his entire nervous system – eyes bouncing from my cleavage to my face like he accidentally stumbled into an R-rated movie without a ticket.

“Y-yeah, sure! Absolutely!”

He said nervously and grabbed his bag to move to another seat. Oh, honey. You’re adorable.

“Thank you, cherry-pie. We should grab a coffee sometime.”

He whipped his head back with such force I half-expected to hear a chiropractor scream in the distance. And those eyes? About five seconds from flying out of their sockets.

“Really?”

“Of course, pumpkin-pie. You're doing me such a favor.”

I threw him a wink, earning a shy blush and a crooked smile in return. Easy. Adorable. Seriously, why couldn’t fate have paired me with this cinnamon roll instead of Mr. Alpha Ego?

Behind me, Alpha-boy growled – tried to play it off with a cough. Again. Please. I turned sweetly back to Mike and made sure my smile said mine now.

I turned with satisfaction, feeling Alpha’s rage like a heatwave. Couldn’t resist twisting the knife.

"Aww, Andrew, is your throat acting up?" I planted myself on his desk, leaning just close enough to make him flinch. "My aunt was an excellent doctor, you know." Total lie.

"Maybe I should check that throat…" I traced a slow line along his throat, perfectly exposed as he looked up at me. His eyes darkened on cue, and I fought to stay in character, pretending I wasn’t feeling those annoying, addictive sparks that burned my finger.

“…and maybe your lungs?” My hand drifted slowly over his black T-shirt, the heat of his skin and the tension in his muscles making my pulse trip. Da.mn, the boy was built for stamina. My focus wavered as my mind spiraled into images of tangled sheets and breathless, sweaty nights. I had to rein it in – other wolves could pick up on me creaming, and I wasn’t about to hand them front-row seats to my fantasies.

I leaned in, letting my cheek graze the rough edge of his stubble as I hovered near his ear, my voice honeyed with mischief. “Let me know if you ever need a personal nurse – strictly for your... needs.”

I leaned back seeing his eyes shifting in color – wolf close to the surface. Perfect. I smiled in satisfaction.

I sashayed to my table, mentally noting to never physically touch him again. As I started organizing my stuff, I was well aware that my as.s was right at his eye level. I slowly sucked on the candy, deliberately making a satisfied noise that sounded suspiciously like something far more scandalous. Shifting sounds behind me? Oh, it was definitely working.

Every move was planned to the last detail. Next, oops – my pencil case accidentally fell. I bent down, fully knowing my as.s cheeks and panties were now on full display for him.

Another aggressive growl. Another fake cough.

I glanced over my shoulder and caught his eyes – pitch black with barely contained fury. A warm rush of satisfaction bloomed in my chest.

“Sweetheart, you really should get that checked out,” I purred. “Maybe the last girl you swapped spit with gave you something nasty.” I sneered, the flicker of seduction instantly snuffed out, replaced by pure venom.

His black eyes locked on mine, fury dancing behind them. But I just plopped down on my seat, mission accomplished. Well… part one, anyway.

Sitting close to him for the whole period was harder than expected. His scent messed with me – the more I breathed it in, the more my thoughts tangled and my body betrayed me. I practically sprinted out the moment the bell rang.

I hope he was as tortured as I was. That thought was the only balm to my burning frustration as my body started craving that douc.hebag. Seriously, I kept thinking – I should’ve gotten laid before this circus began. Goddess, why can’t we predict the future, so we can prepare ourselves and survive the mess?

The rest of the day? Meh. I was counting down to lunch for phase two.

I grabbed my tray and joined the girls. Alpha boy hadn’t arrived yet.

Kate whistled. “Whoa. Who are you dressed like that for? Someone's ready to sin.”

I snorted. “You, of course. Am I working the look?”

Kate looked me up and down with a mock-serious squint. “If that top was sheer and your nipples were saying hi, I might be more impressed.”

“Oh, you wish.”

“Maybe I do. You scared?”

She sassed back, making Rose and Christina chuckle.

“Please, you know I love you.”

“Well, love me better.” We both grinned like fools. I loved these girls – they were my safe space, my people.

We dug in and slipped back into the usual endless blah-blah-blah chatter.

I’d just finished eating when his scent hit me again – stronger this time. More intoxicating. Ugh, was it evolving?

“Okay, girls. Time to move.” I said, making all heads turn my direction.

“To where?” Christina blinked.

“No questions asked. Just follow my lead.” I took charge, laying down the law.

“What are you up now?” Kate asked, eyeing me suspiciously.

“Oh, please, pretty please.” I flipped on the “sweet girl” act, making them chuckle, shake their heads, and even roll their eyes.

Kate raised a brow. “If this ends with me losing my dignity, you owe me lunch.”

“I promise it’s nothing gross. But hey, I’m always happy to treat my girls to lunch!”

With that, I grabbed Christina’s hand and marched to one of the boys’ tables.

“Hi, boys!” All heads turned, eyes wide, some trailing down my body again. Predictable. Out of the corner of my eye, I could already tell Christina was starting to panic.

“We’d love to join your table.” I said flirtatiously, sliding a hand onto one of the boy’s shoulders.

A dark haired boy with brown eyes smirked. “This table’s kinda full.”

“Oh, but I see plenty of places to sit.”

I said, sliding down onto the lap of the quietest boy in the group – the perfect target for my little stunt. My move sparked chuckles and surprised whistles around the table as I smiled sweetly.

“Nate, be a gentleman. Christina needs a seat.”

I herded Christina toward Nate with a playful nudge. Nate smirked, sliding out – together with the chair.

“Plenty of room here,” he said, patting his lap with that cocky grin.

Christina hesitated, cheeks flushed, then shyly settled onto his leg. Nate caught her waist and smoothly shifted her fully onto his lap, making her squeal and blush crimson, looking mortified – but she didn’t bolt. Progress.

Laughter and whistles bubbled from the other boys, while Nate basked in the attention.

“Comfy, babe?” he teased, eyes locked on her.

She nodded quickly, still flushed. Babe? Well, that’s definitely a promising sign.

Suddenly, Rose plopped down in another boy’s lap, instantly grabbing all our attention – did she secretly like him? Huh. Filing that for later. She casually rested her elbow on the table, her hand supporting her chin with effortless ease.

“You.” I snapped my fingers at a curly blond kid. “Up. Kate’s sitting there. She’s off-limits – don’t even think about touching her.”

Surprisingly, the boy actually listened and stood up, motioning with his hand toward the seat where Kate sat, murmuring a quick “Thank you.” He found an empty chair nearby, dragged it over, and plopped down.

I shifted and wiggled in the lap, trying to get comfortable while silently hoping my movement wouldn’t excite him too much.

“So, boys—” Grrr.

My words were cut off by a low, angry growl right behind me, making the table go still. I’d been so distracted arranging the scene, I’d completely forgotten who the culprit was.

“Grr…”

I growled back, shooting a glare at the Alpha boy.

“You’re not the only dog who can growl.”

His fury intensified instantly – his eyes went pitch black, jaw clenched tight, and knuckles whitened around his fists. Oh, I knew exactly how much wolves hate being called “dogs.”

“What are you doing?” he asked, voice low and tight.

“I’m sitting. Duh.” I said the obvious with a frown.

“Get off his lap.”

He still tried to order me around? Adorable – like a toddler handing out chores.

I blinked. “Yeah, no. I sit where I want.”

I deadpanned and shifted sideways in my seat, making it very clear I wasn’t going anywhere. We locked eyes in a silent standoff – neither of us blinking, neither budging. He was fuming, and I was glowing. Delicious.

I was just waiting for the moment he’d realize he’d lost, tuck his tail between his legs, and either stomp off or sulk away. Either outcome worked just fine for me.

His fists clenched and unclenched as if he was debating whether to flip the whole table. I almost started mentally counting down to my inevitable victory: 3… 2…

Suddenly, he snapped his gaze to the table.

“Get out of this place!” he barked.

A few of us jumped at the volume.

“NOW!”

The boys – my brave, fierce entourage – scrambled to obey. I felt myself lurch forward slightly as the guy whose lap I was on stood up, clearly not eager to test the Andrew's patience.

“I’ll see you later, beauty,” Nate said to Christina with a wink before the group vanished like smoke. I watched them go, unimpressed. Really? One fart and you're all gone? Spineless.

Then Alpha boy locked eyes with me again, his voice low and deadly:

“No one. Will. Touch. You.”

Oh good, now he thinks he’s Liam Neeson.

I rolled my eyes. “You're so fun at parties.”

I blurted out my real thoughts laced with sarcasm, instantly regretting it the moment his smirk deepened. Great. He knew he’d won this round. I crossed my arms in defiance, intentionally boosting my cleavage. His eyes dropped. Well, I’ll bring you to your knees – one way or another.

He finally dragged his gaze back up and leaned in toward my ear.

“This bond will either be accepted or rejected – but until that happens, no guy is allowed so much as breathe in your direction.”

He whispered low, making sure only I could hear. Then he pulled back, his eyes trailing over me with clear appreciation this time before turning and walking out of the café – like he hadn’t just dropped a nuke.

“Well, I guess it’s girls-only from now on.”

I finally let something spiteful slip from my lips, knowing full well his wolf ears would catch it. He didn’t stop or turn around – just lifted a hand in the air and flipped me off without missing a step.

“How mature,” I mumbled under my breath with a bitter taste in my mouth.

I turned back to my girls, hating the defeated twist in my chest. They were all watching me with expectation, waiting for an explanation I didn’t want to give. I just shrugged.

Kate, of course, pounced first.

“Come on. What’s going on between you and Andrew Vale? Vale, for God’s sake!”

“Nothing,” I said, rolling my eyes hard enough to see into another dimension.

“Really?” Kate shot back. “He scares off every guy within a five-mile radius just because you’re sitting in someone’s lap? Don’t give us that crap.”

I sighed dramatically. “Ugh, girls, like I said – he’s just a walking ego wrapped in designer jeans who’s never had to work for attention... until now.”

That earned me a collective hmm as they chewed on that.

“So why is he so interested in you then?” Christina asked, her brows scrunched in genuine confusion.

I grinned. “Because, sweetheart, he probably loves the chase – and I’m the first girl he actually has to chase. All the other little flies just fall right into his lap. I didn’t.”

“Oof,” Kate muttered. “Burn.”

“Teenage boys and their Neanderthal brains...” I added with a theatrical sigh. “Anyway, let’s get out of here. I still have class, and my patience for male stupidity is running thin.”

We moved to leave, and I redirected the spotlight to something more entertaining.

“Meanwhile, Rosy’s going to tell us all about the boy whose lap she oh-so-casually landed in.”

Rose shrugged like it was nothing, but the pink creeping up her cheeks said otherwise.

“He’s cute.”

“Uuuuuh!” we all cooed, making her face go even redder.

“Someone’s got a crush,” I teased with a smirk.

“It’s not a big deal,” she muttered, trying to brush it off.

“Oh, please,” I said. “You can go on a double date with Christina and Nate!”

They both blinked at me like I’d just spoken in ancient Greek, then slowly turned to look at each other.

Kate gasped and clutched her chest dramatically. “Oh no. Save me from this teen romance nonsense!”

“Let the girls have fun! They’re young!” I said in my best faux-auntie voice, wiggling my eyebrows.

“Actually... maybe we should,” Christina mused, eyes drifting off in a dreamy, distant way.

“I’ll never ask a guy out,” Rose declared, shaking her head. Pride and principle in one sweet package.

“Of course you won’t,” I said with a grin. “But tomorrow, if you see him in the hallway and he remembers you – and he smiles at you? You’ll smile back. And maybe in a week, if he casually says, ‘Wanna grab a coffee?’ you’ll say yes. And you’ll suggest he bring Nate, and you’ll bring Christina... Boom. Double date.”

I laughed at the mental image, tossing my hair dramatically.

“We’ll see,” Rose said, clearly trying to stay cool but already smiling

I turned to Kate and pointed. “And you and I? We’ll sit in the back and munch popcorn while the children frolic.”

She held up her hand and we high-fived like champions.

“Maybe I’ll kiss you again,” I teased, throwing her a playful wink.

She blew me a kiss in return. “Better be a good one.”

I laughed. Goddess, I loved these girls. It was like we’d known each other since kindergarten. We just clicked – a perfect, slightly chaotic, ride-or-die squad.

And with that, we walked out of the cafeteria like the teen drama queens we were born to be.