Chapter 5
1453 Words
Zara’s pov
Even without touching me, I felt him before I saw him.
Heat rolled off his body. Each step he took made it harder to breathe. It felt like the hallway was shrinking.
He looked down, like I was nothing more than a smudge he wanted gone.
“You want this to stop?” he asked, his voice smooth and dangerous. “Beg.”
I didn’t move.
He crouched slightly, flames flickering from his fingers.
“Come on, little ghost. Bow. Show them what you are.”
Behind him, someone snickered.
Maya added. “Babe, maybe she doesn’t understand. Let’s teach her a lesson she would never forget.”
Something in me cracked. I wasn’t strong like them but I couldn’t let them treat me like this.
I forced my head up, just a little, my eyes locking with his. I didn’t speak. I didn’t beg.
I just lifted one trembling hand hoping to let my own power come to life but nothing showed.
He noticed.
His smirk dropped then came the laugh. Low and mocking. “I can’t believe you just tried that, you really think you have powers. That’s crazy, you made the wrong choice little ghost.”
I stayed still as I watched his body shift, bones snapping, muscles expanding. This was the first time I had seen someone transform.
I saw how his claws tore through his skin, fur erupting over muscle, his mouth stretched wide, his teeth becoming fangs. Roman had just become a full werewolf in front of me, his flames burning brighter now, licking up his arms and down his spine.
“You want to fight?” he growled, rough and distorted through his muzzle. “Let’s end this, then.”
He didn’t wait for an answer.
With one swift motion, he slashed forward, and the fire followed. A whip of flame coiled through the air and struck me like lightning.
I screamed as the pain ripped through my body. I had fallen back flat on the floor as I slid across the hallway. My skin felt burned and my vision blurred.
I heard the laughter around me and I wondered how these people felt comfortable doing this to a person.
Someone kicked my phone out of reach again and harder this time. I was shaking; I didn't know what to do, and then all of a sudden the heat vanished.
A cold wind swept through the corridor.
“Step back,” a voice deep and calm said crouched beside me.
Everything paused
The fire began shrinking. Roman froze.
The guy stood between us; Tess didn’t tell me about him.
He looked at Roman as he just stood there, no shouting.
“You don’t want to do this,” he said, his voice cold. “Walk away now.”
The flames around Roman flickered, and then finally he shifted back. Bones cracking and his fire dimming.
“Jaxon, you’ve got to be kidding me. Her, really?” Roman chuckled.
“Shut up,” Jaxon sneered.
“This one buddy, she’s not worth it”, he laughed again.
I didn’t realise what was going on but I watched as Roman turned to everyone and ordered them to leave and just like that everyone vanished.
“You okay?”, Jaxon asked softly, his hand brushing mine. It was warm and steady.
I nodded, even though my body hurt. Lying seemed easier than explaining.
He gently took my hand, is thumb moving in slow circle across my bruised knuckles.
“Hi,” he said with a crooked smile. “Name’s Jaxon, the air alpha. Full time damsel rescuer and I know someone who could help you fix your phone.”
Despite everything, I huffed a breath that almost passed for a laugh. “Damsel, huh?”
“Well, I was the one who came crashing in to save you.” He tilted his head, his smile widening. “Pretty sure that makes me the knight or the love interest. We can vote on it later.”
I wondered briefly where Tess had gone, maybe she’d run to the clinic or gotten help but right now Jaxon was the lifeline I needed.
He walked towards my scattered belongings and he leaned down tucking them gently into my bag without a word.
“Thanks,” I murmured.
He shrugged, slinging my bag over his shoulder then he offered me his hand. “Come on. Let’s get you up.”
I took it. His fingers curled gently around mine as he pulled me up slowly, holding me with one arm around my waist. I didn’t resist.
“All the teachers were at some emergency faculty meeting,” he said, his voice filled with frustration. “That’s why no one showed up. Perfect timing, right?”
“Of course they were,” I muttered, rolling my eyes.
“Don’t worry I’m here”, he stopped walking and looked at me, “But you have to promise me something.”
“What’s that?”, I looked at him curious.
He shrugged, unapologetic “I will get your phone fixed”, he said casually. “But only if you agree to two things.”
“Two?”
“One-lunch with me. Two-clinic visit. No arguments. There’s only so much I can repair. You still need actual medical attention.”
I blinked at him. “So you’re trying to score a date out of this”
“Well if you put it that way I can’t go against it,” he smiled and I noticed the dimple on his cheek making him a little more handsome.
I rolled my eyes, but my lips betrayed me with a reluctant smile. “You’re ridiculous”
“And charming. Don’t forget charming.”
He held out his elbow with mock elegance. “Shall we?”
***
Finally, it’s lunch time. I couldn’t wait to see Jaxon again. I didn’t understand what I was feeling. Everytime I thought about his smile, the way he touched me hand, my heart went haywire. I’d never felt this way before.
Then Tess caught up to me, grabbing my arm, eyes wide. Zara don’t go. There’s a bet. Jaxon and his friends…he said that he could kiss you by the end of the week. Maybe even sleep with you. To prove you’re just another easy girl. Another one in his list.”
I froze. Tess had just warned me about these people and I was already falling into the trap of one of them.
“Look”, Tess said bringing me back to reality as she shoved her phone screen toward me. The video played. Jaxon laughing surrounded by his friends. He was explaining to them that I was already falling hard and this could be his cheapest girl. I was so angry, I didn’t want it to end like that I wanted to embarrass him so Tess and I came up with a plan.
At lunch, I spotted him sitting under a willow tree, Jaxon looked up just as I stepped into the courtyard, tray in hand and his whole expression lit up. Like he’d actually missed me.
Stupid heart, you’re supposed to be angry at him. I walked slowly towards him with a soft smile placing my tray on the table.
“You came,” he said, rising slightly. “Wasn’t sure you’d–”
I took a step forward, leaning close to him. “Let’s cut the chase, I like you, you like me”
His gaze dropped to my lips. He leaned in.
That’s when I pulled the trigger.
Boom.
Confetti and glitter burst all over him, sticking to his face, his shirt, his ego.
I stepped back with a bright, savage smile. “You’re not getting this girl,” I said loudly, turning so the entire courtyard could hear as I put the confetti gun in my blazer pocket.
Gasps. Then laughter.
Tess screamed beside me. “Look even Kael, the water alpha who never speaks and smiles. He is laughing.”
Drew, the Earth Alpha,walked over, barely containing his laughter. “You’re the GOAT”, he said. “Come on buddy”, he said patting Jaxon on the back as they walk away.
The courtyard roared with applause. I couldn’t lie it felt good but I knew it wouldn’t last long.
That night, I struggled with sleep. In my dream, I stood in a dark forest. I saw a golden-eyed wolf circled me, furs stiffened, claws digging into the soil like it couldn’t wait any longer. It growled, low, hungry, wild.
Let me out.
I jolted awake, struggling to breathe, heart pounding.
“Could that be my wolf”
- Writer
