Chapter 3

Betsy's Pov

I stepped outside and saw him already standing by the car. “I’m ready,” I said, adjusting the strap of my bag on my shoulder.

He didn’t even glance my way before turning to the car. “Get in,” he said flatly.

O…kay?

I blinked, trying to piece together what had just happened. Just a few minutes ago, this same man had been smirking, teasing, practically glowing with charm. Now? Stone cold. Completely unreadable.

I followed him to the car and slid into the passenger seat. Not a word from him. Not even a sideways glance.

What the hell happened to his mood?

Was it me? Did I do something wrong? Have I given off a bad vibe by checking him out? He didn't seem displeased. Or was it Alpha sickness?

My thoughts were spinning, and one question kept looping in my mind. ‘Where was Mum?’ She usually at least stood at the door, giving those weird half-hugs or telling me to eat something. But now? Nothing. She left the house and didn't even tell me what to have for breakfast. 

I pulled out my phone and quickly sent her a message.

‘Mum, please call me when you get this. I'm on my way to college now. With Drake… Alpha Drake. Didn’t see you before I left and I'm worried.’ 

I waited a second… nothing. 

Okay.

That made things weirder. She brought me back to my official hometown and left me without a word?

I glanced at Drake. His jaw was tight, his hands gripping the wheel like it had personally offended him. The silence in the car was thick enough to choke on.

My stomach grumbled. Great. I hadn’t eaten breakfast. But of course, first impressions mattered. And I wasn't about to ask for food now.

I cleared my throat. “You said I could ask questions later…”

Nothing. No response. Just the steady hum of the car and the blur of trees through the window.

Was he ignoring me?

I glanced again, but his eyes were locked on the road, like I wasn’t even there. Fine. I got the message. I leaned back into the seat, annoyed and suddenly anxious.

Had I done something wrong?

The rest of the drive felt longer than it probably was. And by the time we reached the gates, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to scream or throw myself out of the car just to break the silence.

As soon as the car slowed to a stop, I reached for the door handle, but before I could open it, I noticed something.

There were eyes everywhere. As I stepped out, I could feel the height of curiosity and the weight of their stares. The students, everyone who saw us were looking and whispering. I never had too much attention since I lived in an enclosed area. 

I didn't recognize a single face either, so I couldn't tell why they were staring. 

I wasn’t wearing anything out of place. I wasn’t late. I hadn’t even opened my mouth yet.

And then Drake got out of the car, shutting the door behind him with a quiet this.

“You must’ve noticed the eyes on you,” he said, finally breaking the silence.

“So… You want to talk now or are you still doing the silent treatment thing?”

Drake stopped mid-step and turned slightly, his eyes narrowing. “Watch the way you speak to me, Betsy.”

I blinked. “Seriously? Just because you’re the Alpha and my brother’s best friend doesn’t mean I can’t say what I want.”

He didn’t reply. Typical.

Instead, he reached for my wrist, pulled me forward—gently, but firmly. Then I took my bag without asking and started walking again.

I was too stunned to protest. I mean, who just grabs someone’s stuff like that?

As we walked through the hallway, the atmosphere changed. Every eye turned to us. I could literally feel the buzz in the air, and it wasn’t just from the squeaky shoes and rustling papers.

“Is that the Alpha? Alpha Drake?”

Oh! Right! How did I not see that!? It's because of Drake. 

“Who’s the new girl?”

“Why’s she with him?”

“Do you think she’s his sister?”

‘Sister!?’

I yanked my hand out of his grip and muttered, “Sister, my foot…”

Did they know I could hear them?

He glanced sideways at me, clearly hearing it, and I couldn’t tell if he was amused or annoyed. Either way, I felt like I was burning under the stares.

Drake leaned in suddenly, his voice low and steady near my ear. “Don’t let them bully you, Betsy. Most of them are losers who bark louder than they bite. Call me if you need anything. As long as it’s life or death anything.”

He pulled back like he hadn’t just whispered something ridiculously intense and casually walked ahead, leading me straight to the classroom.

I didn’t say anything. I Couldn’t. I was too stunned to speak.

Instead, I sat down at the nearest desk and tried to act like my heart wasn’t hammering. 

Drake looked straight at me and walked out of the classroom, the rest of the students still howling. 

And then, of course, as if my day wasn’t overwhelming enough, someone walked up to me the moment Drake disappeared down the hallway.

A girl. Pretty, pale blonde, sharp eyes. She looked like she could handle herself.

“You new in town?” she asked, her arms folded, gaze scanning me like she was looking for something to judge.

I straightened up. “Yeah, just moved in.”

Her smile was tight. “You’re staying with the Alister family, right? Nick’s sister?”

Great. People already knew my full resume.

I nodded. “That’s me.”

Her eyes flicked toward the door. “And you’re friends with Alpha Drake already?”

“Uh, not really. He’s just… my brother’s best friend.”

She tilted her head, clearly not buying it. “Right.”

There was a weird pause. Like she was waiting for me to confess something or run off crying.

But I didn’t. I wasn’t planning on being anyone’s target. I just wanted to spend the rest of my life as open as possible.

Still, the whispering around me hadn’t stopped. I could feel the weight of curious eyes, the tension in the air… and maybe even a hint of jealousy.

“Hey.” A guy called, his hands pointed towards me. 

“Yeah?” I answered. 

“Someone's out here waiting for you.” He dropped the word like a bomb.