Chapter 5 - Freya’s POV

“That scholarship kid said you’re her boyfriend. Is that true?” Vivian’s voice was sharp and accusing.

Drew didn’t hesitate. “You’re the one I really like, baby. You know that.” He kissed her again. 

Each word hit me like a slap.

“With Freya… it was just for fun,” he continued. “We grew up in the same pack. Our parents know each other, and she’s always had a crush on me. I didn’t want to reject her and hurt her feelings.”  

My heart twisted so tightly I couldn’t breathe. Just for fun? All the nights we stayed up talking. All of the stolen kisses during pack meetings. None of it had meant anything to him?

Fury replaced the pain. “No!” I threw open the door and burst into Drew’s room. 

They were sitting entwined on the loveseat. At least they weren’t on the bed. 

Drew stared at me with his mouth open and eyes wide with shock.

Vivian looked shocked too, but she was enjoying my pain. My humiliation. 

“Aw, there go your hopes and dreams of being part of our social circle. So sad.” Her voice dripped with mock concern. She wrapped her arm possessively around Drew’s waist. “Better start thinking about how you're going to pay me back for that dress you ruined.” 

“Drew?” I searched his face for some kind of denial. “Drew, talk to me.” 

“Yeah, Drew, talk to her,” Vivian said. “Are you going to help her pay me back? Going to rescue the charity case?” She laughed, nudging him with her shoulder like he was in on the joke.

Drew just sat there. Silent. He couldn’t even meet my gaze. 

Can’t you see, Ashe snarled. He’s on Vivian’s side. He’ll never help you.

My lips felt numb and I couldn’t stop the tears sliding down my face. I stumbled away, relying on Ashe to guide me. My mind kept showing me pictures of Drew and Vivian cuddling on the couch, playing scenes of them kissing… and more. 

I stumbled out of the dorm, falling to my knees beside a tree and letting the sobs come. Deep ugly sounds ripped their way out of my chest like they didn’t even belong to me. 

All those sweet promises. All those loving looks. All lies.

“Just for fun.”

You knew he was weak, Ashe said gently. I showed you. You just didn’t want to believe it.

“I loved him,” I whispered.

I know. But he was never our mate.

And what could I do, if Drew wouldn’t help me? Vivian could ruin me anytime she wanted. And it looked like she wanted.

The mate bond doesn’t lie, Ashe said. You should go to Michael.

I took a deep breath, forcing calm on my shattered soul. I would go to Michael.

What else could I do?

***

After a quick stop at my room to wash my face and make myself look as normal and presentable as possible, I went looking for Michael. 

The sting of Drew’s betrayal still sat in my chest like a lead spike, but I kept myself focused. Vivian would love to see me fall apart. I wasn’t going to give her the satisfaction.

I asked around, talking to other students I had met in class. Thankfully, it seemed like word of my “scandalous behavior” hadn’t gotten out yet. The whispers hadn’t started. People still looked at me with innocent eyes. 

Finally I found out he was in the Astor Lounge. Traditionally it was reserved for ‘the Cadre’, Lykaon’s elite. Heirs. Betas in training. The future alphas of tomorrow. Not scholarship kids.

But I had no other options. 

I crossed the quad and was walking up to the massive double doors of the lounge when Alistair Delaroche blocked my path. 

I’d seen him around. Broad-shouldered and effortlessly confident, everyone said he and Michael were close as brothers. Rumor had it Alistair would be beta of the Stormwind pack when Michael ascended to pack leader.

“What do you want?” Alistair asked. I could tell from the way he looked at me that he’d seen the party photos, or at least heard the rumors.

My stomach turned but I held my ground. “I need to talk to Michael.” I stood up straight and looked him firmly in the eye. 

His eyes narrowed. “If this is about Vivian, don’t bother. Michael won’t help you.”

“Why do you say that?” I asked. 

He smirked like he couldn’t believe how clueless I was. “You really don’t know? They’re engaged. Have been for years. Why would he cross his fiancée for you?” 

I tried not to flinch. So that was why he’d insisted we keep our mate bond a secret.

Engaged. To that bitch! We’re his mate… and we would never betray him like she does. Ashe was shocked, and, frankly, so was I. 

My mind showed me another image of Drew and Vivian canoodling on the couch. Did Michael even know Vivian was cheating on him? Did he care?

“Go home,” Alistair snapped. “You don’t belong here.” He reached forward and gave me a push, not hard, just enough to remind me of my place.

“I’m not leaving,” I said.

I couldn’t go home. Not when Vivian had those photos, when she could spread her lies and ruin me. I’d already lost Drew. I wasn’t going to lose my future, too.

“I know a secret,” I said. “If Michael doesn’t see me, I’ll shout it right here. Right now.” 

He snorted. “You’re bluffing.” He grabbed my arm and started to drag me away.

I dug in my heels. “I mean it!” 

Alistair kept pulling.

Desperate, I planted my feet and shouted, “Michael! And! I! We! Are—”

The door banged open. 

Everyone froze.

Michael stood in the doorway, golden light from the lounge pouring out behind him. His face was cold and unreadable. But his eyes were dark as a storm-washed sky, pupils dilated. Wolf-close. 

 “Shut up,” he growled, voice rumbling with power. “Get inside. Now.”