chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

Lessie's Standpoint.

Unable to take it, I snuck out of the hall and sat across it, watching as students listened attentively. It made me wonder what he looked like.

Like the terror they described him to be?

Or charming?

Finally, the orientation was over, and we were assigned to our dorm rooms, along with a list of chores. I stared at my chore list in horror; laundry duty, cafeteria cleanup, grounds maintenance.

I laughed but it was dry with no humor.

I had never done chores in my life. The most work I had done was arranging flowers for formal dinners.

“Is something wrong with your list, freshman?” A voice asked behind me.

I turned to find Riley, her eyes staring at me curiously.

“No, it's fine,” I lied, folding the paper quickly. “I'm sorry I didn't even introduce myself earlier. I'm Kayla,” I said with my hand stretched out.

“It's a pleasure to meet you, Kayla.” She shook my hand. “Well, Kayla, if you need help finding your way around, just let me know. The first few days can be rough.”

“Thanks,” I said, genuinely grateful for her kindness. “Actually, where's the library?”

She pointed to a large building across the quad. “Over there. But classes start in ten minutes. You should probably…"

“Thanks!” I called over my shoulder, already heading for the library.

Classes could wait, I needed a minute to breathe, to think and figure out how I was going to manage all these chores without revealing that I had no idea what I was doing.

The library was blessedly quiet and rows upon rows of books stretched towards the ceiling. I wandered aimlessly, trailing my fingers along the spine for no reason.

I found a secluded corner with a plush armchair and I sank into it with a tired sigh that swept through my lips. I hadn't slept since my escape two nights ago, I had been too worried about being caught.

“Just five minutes,” I murmured with my eyelids shutting close. “Then I'll go to class…” I trailed as I dozed off.

I jolted awake sometimes later, my eyes blinking repeatedly to adjust to the dim lights.

How long have I been asleep? The quality of light filtering through the library windows had changed, which meant I had been sleeping for hours, not minutes.

“Great job, Lessie.” I muttered to myself. “First day and you've already missed your classes.”

My stomach growled loudly, reminding me that I hadn't eaten since the meager breakfast I'd scrounged in town after getting the new clothes. I gathered my things, walked out of the library and headed to the cafeteria. But it was locked.

I decided to go rest in my dorm. I found the dormitory building with some difficulty and found my assigned room on the third floor. Pushing open the door, I found half of the room already decorated.

My side was bare, just a twin bed with normal sheets, a desk and a small dresser. It was the smallest bedroom I had ever had, and I had never shared a room with anyone. My closest home was larger than this entire room.

A neat handwritten note on my pillow caught my attention.

New roomie,

Had to run to the biology lab. I saved you a sandwich from lunch, in case you missed it. It's in the mini fridge. The orientation packet is on the desk. I recorded the Alpha's speech too.

Lena.

I could have cried from gratitude. At least, something to make the day better.

The turkey and cheese sandwich was the best thing I'd ever tasted. I devoured it while flipping through the orientation packet. Their rules were all so different from home, where my only rule had been to behave like a proper princess.

A section in the orientation packet caught my attention.

Alpha Duaine Bert serves as both Pack Alpha and University President. His word is LAW on campus Ns throughout Silver Crest Pack. As members of his Pack, all students are expected to show proper respect and deference.

My wolf bristled at the authoritarian tine. I'd left one controlling Alpha to land another one in this Pack?

A knock on the door interrupted my reading.

“Come in,” I called, expecting Lena to walk in.

Instead, Riley walked stood by the doorway, looking anxious. “Hey, freshman. I've been looking for you.”

“Oh?” I set down the packet. “Is something wrong?”

“Kind of. Alpha Duaine saw you sneaking out of the orientation, and he requested your presence at his office tomorrow morning.”

My jaw dropped. “Is that bad?”

The look on her face told me everything I needed to know. “Just… don't be late. And maybe come up with a reasonable explanation for why you snuck out. He's big on respect.”

I flopped back on my bed after Riley left, staring at the ceiling. One day at Silver Crest and I was already in trouble with the Alpha. So much for blending in and finding my freedom.

“This is not how fairy tales are supposed to start,” I told the empty room.

But a part of me got curious. What would this terror, mysterious and strict Alpha who commanded such respect from his Pack would look like? Would he see through my disguise?

Fear surged through my veins.

What if he sends me back to my father?

I just needed a fairy tale.

“Just one to compensate me for how you ruined my life, Moon Goddess.”

A warm hand on my shoulder jolted me awake. I blinked, slowly opening my eyes to find myself still curled up in the library chair.

“This isn't a dormitory,” said the deepest and richest voice I've ever heard.

I stood up quickly with my heart pounding. “I'm sorry, I just closed my eyes for a moment…”

I choked on my words as I looked up at the most striking face I'd ever seen. His dark hair had silver streaks, a strong jaw line with stubble, and piercing blue eyes like the heart of a flame.

He was obviously older than me, and I wasn't the kind to compliment older men. My dad, for instance. His broad shoulders strained against a crisp white shirt and the slight scent of lavender mixed with daisies filled my nose, making Alexa purr restlessly.

She stirred and purred until she whispered something shocking in my head.

Him… Ours! Mate!