10

Elena’s POV

The next morning, I felt sick again. It had become a routine. The waves of nausea hit me harder than before, especially in the mornings. Elizabeth helped me dress quickly. I wore my uniform—pressed skirt, white shirt, and black shoes—topped with the oversized cardigan we agreed on. It still smelled like her lavender perfume.

“You good?” Elizabeth asked, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. Her eyes scanned my face, noticing how pale I looked.

I nodded weakly, trying to smile. “As good as I can be.”

She didn’t believe me. I saw it in her eyes. But she didn’t push. She just held my hand all the way to school.

By the time we got to class, my stomach was already churning. I gripped the edge of the wall as we neared the door, trying to breathe through it.

Elizabeth leaned close. “You want to sit for a while?”

“No,” I whispered. “Let’s just go in.”

As we reached the door, she excused herself. “Give me two minutes. I need the restroom—don’t move.”

I nodded. She walked off.

That was when it happened.

Someone stepped in front of me. I took a step back, startled.

Amelia.

Her long black hair shimmered under the hallway lights, and her lips curled into a smirk like she’d been waiting for this moment. Her sharp heels clicked loudly as she crossed her arms and tilted her head.

I tried to walk around her, but she stepped right back into my path.

“I need to go in,” I said, keeping my voice even. “Please move.”

She let out a dramatic sigh. “You’re the girl, right? Elena?”

I swallowed. “Yes. Why are you blocking my way?”

“I heard your little friend yelling your name earlier,” Amelia said with a fake pout. “I just wanted to get close to you.”

Her tone sent a chill through me.

She leaned in slowly and—before I could react—sniffed my neck.

“What the hell—?” I jerked back, my eyes wide.

“Mmm,” she whispered darkly. “You’re a werewolf, aren’t you? That’s adorable.”

My body stiffened.

She straightened up, her voice low and cold. “I’m not like the others here. You might want to remember that. This school may be supernatural-friendly, but not everyone here plays nice.”

Her smirk widened. “I’m a Wendigo.”

My stomach twisted. I’d read about them—dangerous, ancient creatures that fed on flesh and blood.

“And I’m a hybrid,” she added. “Wendigo and vampire.”

She stepped closer, almost nose to nose with me. “So, if you ever think your little werewolf growl scares me, think again. I eat girls like you for breakfast.”

I stared at her, stunned.

“I don’t understand. Why are you threatening me?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite the fear bubbling in my chest. “I haven’t done anything to you.”

“You haven’t?” Amelia let out a sharp laugh. “You’re joking, right?”

I blinked. “What are you talking about?”

She crossed her arms, eyes narrowing. “Rick.”

I flinched slightly at the mention of his name.

“I saw the way he looked at you the other day,” she said, her voice hardening. “Like you were something precious. That look—he never gave it to me. And you want to play innocent?”

My brows furrowed. “Rick…? I’ve barely spoken to him—”

“Save it!” she snapped, slamming her hand against the wall beside me. I jumped, my heart slamming into my chest.

She took a step back, lips curling into a sneer. “You think I don’t notice these things? That’s the problem with poor girls like you. You think just because you’re ‘special’—” she said the word like it was dirt—“people should fall at your feet.”

I shook my head, trying to stay calm. “I never— I don’t even know Rick that well. And even if I did, it’s none of your business who he talks to.”

Her eyes darkened. “He’s mine. He’s my betrothed. You get that into your head, werewolf? You stay the hell away from him.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but she wasn’t done.

“You don’t belong here,” she hissed. “You think just because this school takes all kinds of creatures, they want you?”

“You don’t even know me,” I said quietly, though my hands were shaking.

She laughed bitterly. “Oh, I know enough. You’re from the slums, aren’t you? Probably slept your way through whatever hole you crawled out of.”

I gasped, fury flaring in my chest. “Excuse me? You don’t know a damn thing about me!”

Amelia leaned in again, face twisted in disdain. “You’re loud for someone with no name. You walk like you matter, but you don’t. I run this school. People listen when I talk. And if I say stay away from Rick—you better listen.”

“I won’t be intimidated,” I said, standing straighter, even though my heart was racing. “You want to scare me with your creepy sniffing and weird threats? Go ahead. But don’t you dare talk about where I’m from or who I am. I didn’t choose to be a werewolf. Just like you didn’t choose to be a spoiled little hybrid who bullies people because she’s insecure.”

Her face changed in an instant. The smirk vanished, replaced with something darker—something more dangerous.

“You think you’re tough?” she whispered.

“I think I’m tired,” I replied. “Tired of people like you thinking they can walk all over anyone just because they’re hurting inside.”

Amelia’s eyes flared red—unnaturally red. She stepped back like she was trying to contain herself, but then her gaze shifted to rage.

“You don’t get it, do you?” she said, her voice deadly quiet. “You’re playing with fire. Rick is not just anyone. He’s an alpha. He belongs to me. And in this school, that means something.”

“So what?” I shot back. “He’s not property. You don’t own him.”

“You stupid girl,” she growled. “Everyone knows we’re promised to each other. Since we were kids. You being near him—it’s a problem. A big problem.”

I didn’t flinch this time. “If Rick really wanted you, you wouldn’t be this scared of me.”

That was it.

Her entire body tensed. She glared at me like she was ready to explode.

Before Elena could even say anything, Amelia raised her hand to beat Elena.