Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

Lily’s POV

I froze in the palace kitchen, every muscle trembling as I stared into Joe Wellington’s cold, blue eyes. His words cut me deeper than any blade.

“That night was a mistake,” he said, his voice flat. I was drunk. It won’t happen again. It will never happen again.”

My heart pounded so hard in my chest I thought it would burst.

Three nights ago, I’d believed in that kiss. Well, I hoped he felt something real. I hoped he now saw me.

But instead, he was wiping it from memory like it never mattered.

“No,” I managed, my voice shaking. “You can’t just…”

Joe folded his arms.

“Erase it? I didn’t plan it. You need to know your place, Lily. I’m the future Alpha. You’re just an ordinary Omega in my pack.”

My throat went dry, heat flared in my belly. I felt anger this time, the fierce ache of that mate bond. My wolf snarled inside me, desperate to flee or to fight.

“No”. I said, my voice firm but low.

“No?”. He said, taking a step towards me.

“I won’t let you reject me,” I whispered, steadying myself. My own words startled me. “I… I won't let you…”

He raised a brow. “What?”

I took a steadying breath, eyes locked on him. “I’m an Omega. If you reject me, my wolf will die. And so will I.”

He stayed quiet, his eyes weighing me. At that moment, I could almost hear my wolf’s heartbeat, loud against the quiet of the palace kitchen. Joe’s jaw twitched, and he realized how serious I was.

He looked away at first, jaw clenched tight. Shadows under his eyes told me he hadn’t slept last night, just as I’d tossed and turned until my tears fell hard enough to leave bruises on my pillow.

“Fine,” he said at last, turning back to me. His voice had lost some of its edge. “I won’t hurt you.”

I let out a shaky breath, relief washing over me so fast I felt dizzy. “Thank you.”

He hesitated. “But our bond ends here,” he said, waving a hand around the room. “If you ever speak of it, if you tell anyone we’re mates, I will end your life.”

My heart dropped. “Wh…What?”.

“Do you understand what I'm saying?”. His voice darkened. I legit became scared.

Tears filled my eyes, but I nodded “I understand.”

Joe stared at me, his expression unreadable, then turned on his heel and strode out.

I sank against the marble countertop, hands pressed to my face, as the echo of his footsteps faded.

***

I woke up the next morning with a pounding headache and eyes so swollen I barely recognized my reflection. Tears streamed down my cheeks until I fell asleep, my pillow drenched in salty evidence.

I gingerly touched my face. Yes, bruises had formed under my eyes, probably from me tossing in bed all night.

Groaning, I stumbled into the shower, but hot water did nothing to clear my foggy mind. I dressed in my usual hoodie and jeans, hoping to hide my bruises.

My best friend Sonia arrived almost immediately, her hair perfect, makeup flawless.

“Gosh Lily, you look awful,” she said, handing me a hairbrush.

“Just… late-night studying,” I lied, plucking a hoodie over my head.

Sonia pinched her lips. “Uh-huh, sure.”

I shrugged. I didn’t want to talk about last night.

On the walk to school, the air felt thin, like gravity had doubled. I trailed behind Sonia, every step heavy but slow.

At the academy entrance, two of the prettiest girls in school, Marissa and Jade, were arguing about something stupid as usual.

“I’m telling you, Jade, he was looking at me last night,” Marissa hissed.

“Stop dreaming, Marissa. He was with me,” Jade shot back.

Great. High-school drama over the almighty Joe Wellington. I sighed, shifted my backpack and walked into the school hallway, heading towards my locker.

Then suddenly, the hallway fell silent. I knew the reason why.

Joe Wellington himself appeared at the end of the corridor. Everything about him was perfect, broad shoulders, that casual arrogance, his unruly dark hair.

But today, he didn’t look charismatic. His face was drained, It showed under his sunshades.

Despite him being a jerk to me last night, I couldn't get over my crush on him. He is just heavenly.

Marissa and Jade froze, mouths open.

“Hey Joe”. They both waved, batting their eyelashes, shrieking in a very annoying tone.

But Joe didn’t stop for them. He strode past the girls like they didn’t exist, head high. Then slowly, our eyes met.

My heart stopped for a moment. The eye contact was brief, and even though he was wearing shades, I could read it.

He looked at me with repulse, like I was dirty.

Sonia squeezed my arm. “Come on,” she whispered.

I nodded and let her guide me to class, but my mind spun.

*****

In history class, our teacher droned on about ancient Alpha lineages, but I hardly heard a word. My notebook lay untouched while my thoughts replayed yesterday’s confrontation, and Joe’s stare today. Sonia nudged me.

“Hey, are you okay?” she mouthed.

I shrugged. “Yea, I’m fine.”

She looked at me and a smile formed on her face, then she scribbled, ” Guess what?”

“What?”. I replied and passed the paper back to her.

She giggled, and replied, “He looked at you.”

I swallowed, I knew who she was talking about, but I had to pretend to not know what she was talking about. “Who?.”

“Your crush, you dummy” she giggled loudly, attracting the attention of the teacher.

"Shhhh". One of our classmates hussed us.

“Really?”. I replied, faking a smile.

Sonia’s eyes widened, still smiling. “Yes, I saw him, he looked at you with dreamy eyes.”

I bit my lip, bitterness filling my throat. “I don't think so, Sonia, Joe would never look at me.”

She nudged my arm a little, and then scribbled again. “I think you will both hook up, if you make yourself known to him. Seduce him a little. You guys might date.”

She winked at me, giving a naughty smile and turned her focus to the teacher.

I sighed heavily, knowing that would never happen.

The rest of the period slipped by in a blur. I stared at the door, half-expecting Joe to burst in and apologize. But he didn’t.