Taming My Alpha Bully

Chapter 2 Punching Bag

Briar

The shrill ring of the school bell felt like a death knell. I flinched, my fingers tightening around the straps of my worn-out backpack as I stepped into the hallway. The corridor was a sea of excited chatter and laughter – everyone buzzing about graduation, summer plans, and bright futures.

Everyone except me.

For the millionth time, I wished I could blend into the dingy beige walls. But no such luck for Briar Ranger, the Moonfire Pack's only Omega and favorite punching bag.

I kept my head down, trying to make myself as small as possible as I navigated through the crowd. Just one more day, I reminded myself. One more day of this hell, and then—

A sudden force yanked me backwards, pain exploding across my scalp. I yelped, the sound embarrassingly close to a puppy's whine, as I stumbled into a circle of sneering faces. The sickly-sweet scent of expensive perfume assaulted my senses, making me want to gag.

Selena, the daughter of the current Beta and the pack's resident mean girl, stood in the middle. Her manicured hand was fisted in my hair, nails digging into my scalp. Her perfect lips curved into a cruel smile, glossy and red like fresh blood.

"Well, well," she purred, her grip on my hair tightening. "If it isn't our little Omega b***h. Excited for graduation, Briar? Planning your great escape?"

I gritted my teeth, willing myself not to show weakness. "Let go of me, Selena."

She laughed, a high, tinkling sound that made my skin crawl. "Or what? You'll cry? Go running to Damian? Just wanted to remind you of your place before we graduate. You may be living in the Alpha's house, but don't get any ideas. Damian is mine."

At the mention of his name, my stomach twisted. Selena had always dreamed of being the future Luna. When she found out that she wasn't Damian's mate, she regarded every girl who approached Damian as her enemy. As a result, I've become her number one thorn in her side, and she can't wait to make my life a little more miserable every day.

"As if Damian would lift a finger to help her," one of Selena's minions chimed in. I recognized her voice – Tara, a she-wolf known for her vicious rumors. "He hates her more than anyone."

Selena's eyes narrowed, and she yanked me closer. "Is that true, Briar? Does Damian really hate you? Because I've seen the way you look at him when you think no one's watching."

My face burned with humiliation and anger. I could feel the eyes of other students on us, drinking in the drama like vultures. Some looked amused, others pitying, but no one stepped in to help. Why would they? I was nothing to them.

"You're delusional," I spat, surprised by the venom in my own voice. "Damian's made it perfectly clear how he feels about me. Trust me, the feeling's mutual."

"Oh really?" Selena's grip loosened, but her smile turned predatory. "Then you won't mind telling us all exactly how you feel about our future Alpha. Go on, Briar. Don't hold back."

Maybe it was the lack of sleep, or the stress of graduation, or just years of pent-up anger finally boiling over. Whatever the reason, something in me snapped.

I shoved Selena's hand away and stood up, my voice rising with each word. "You want to know how I feel about Damian? Fine! I think he's an arrogant, selfish jerk who gets off on making others feel small. I'm not interested in him, I don't want him, and the day I get away from him will be the happiest day of my life!"

The hallway went dead silent. I realized too late that everyone was staring not at me, but at something – or someone – behind me. My stomach dropped as I slowly turned around.

Damian stood there, his gray eyes blazing with a fury I'd never seen before. He looked like he wanted to rip my throat out right then and there.

"Is that so, little Omega?" He growled, taking a step towards me. I instinctively backed up, but Selena was still behind me, blocking my escape.

"I... I didn't mean..." I stammered, but Damian cut me off.

"No, I think you meant every word," he snarled, closing the distance between us. His scent – pine and musk and raw power – overwhelmed me, making it hard to think. "Briar, you're nothing but a weak, pathetic excuse for a wolf, and the only reason you're still breathing is because my father took pity on you. Trust me, if it were up to me, you'd have been thrown out with the trash years ago."

Each word was like a dagger to my heart. I knew I should be used to his cruelty by now, but it still hurt. I blinked back tears, refusing to let him see me cry. My nails dug into my palms, the sharp pain helping me stay grounded.

Damian's hand shot out, gripping my chin and forcing me to look at him. I shivered involuntarily, hating how my body reacted to his proximity. "You want to leave me? Let me make something clear, Briar. You are my Omega. Without my permission, you will never be able to get rid of me without my permission."

I wanted to fight back, to scream, to do something. But I was frozen, trapped in his icy gaze.

Just when I thought things couldn't get worse, a voice called out from down the hall. "Damian! The principal wants to see you."

I'd never been so relieved to see Lila, my best and only friend. She jogged up to us, her red ponytail bouncing. "It's about the graduation ceremony," she added, her eyes darting between Damian and me with concern.

"Remember what I said, Briar." Damian's jaw clenched. With one last withering glare at me, he released my chin and stalked off towards the office. I could feel the ghost of his touch lingering on my skin.

As soon as he was out of sight, I sagged against the lockers, my legs feeling like jelly. Lila shooed away the crowd of onlookers, including a smug-looking Selena. The bell rang again, signaling the start of class, and the hallway quickly emptied.

"Are you okay?" Lila asked, her brown eyes wide with worry.

I nodded weakly, even though I felt anything but okay. "Yeah, I'm fine. What was that about? Why is Damian involved in graduation stuff?"

Lila rolled her eyes, linking her arm through mine as we walked to class. "Apparently, Alpha Aldric and Luna Nova will be out of town next week , so Damian's representing the Alpha at our graduation. Joy of joys."

I groaned, sinking into my desk. The hard plastic chair creaked under my weight. Just when I thought I'd be free of him, he had to show up at the one event I'd been looking forward to.

"Speaking of graduation," Lila said, leaning in close and lowering her voice, "are you coming to the party tomorrow night?"

I hesitated, fidgeting with the frayed edge of my notebook. The idea of being in a room full of people who either hated me or pitied me wasn't exactly appealing. "I don't know, Li. I'm not sure I'd be welcome."

Lila bumped her shoulder against mine. "Oh, come on! It's our last hurrah before real life begins. Plus," she waggled her eyebrows, "I heard Finn might be there."

I couldn't help but smile at the mention of my brother. Finn was the one bright spot in my life, the only person who truly cared about me in this whole pack.

As if summoned by our conversation, I spotted a familiar figure waiting by the school gates after our last class. My heart lifted at the sight of Finn's broad shoulders and kind smile. The afternoon sun glinted off his sandy hair, giving him an almost angelic glow.

"Bri!" he called out, waving. I quickened my pace, practically running into his open arms. He lifted me off my feet in a bear hug, and for a moment, I felt safe.

"What are you doing here?" I asked as he set me down.

Finn grinned, ruffling my hair. "Can't a guy surprise his little sister on her last day of high school?"

I noticed Lila hanging back, suddenly shy. It was kind of adorable how my usually outgoing friend turned into a blushing mess around my brother.

"Hi Finn," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Hey, Lila," Finn replied warmly. "How's it going?"

As they chatted, I took a moment to really look at my brother. At 22, Finn was everything an Alpha's son should be – strong, handsome, and respected. But unlike Damian, he was also kind and compassionate. It was no wonder half the pack was in love with him. His uniform as captain of the wolf guard suited him, the crisp lines and shiny badges a testament to his dedication.

"Oh!" Finn exclaimed suddenly, reaching into his backpack. "I almost forgot. Happy early birthday, Bri."

He handed me a wrapped package, and I felt a lump form in my throat. Even with his busy schedule as captain of the wolf guard, he'd remembered. The wrapping paper was slightly crumpled, and I could see where he'd used too much tape – clear signs that he'd wrapped it himself. The thought made my heart swell.

I carefully unwrapped it, gasping when I saw what was inside. It was a dress – the most beautiful dress I'd ever seen. Midnight blue with silver accents, it shimmered in the sunlight like a piece of the night sky. The fabric was soft beneath my fingers, unlike anything I'd ever owned before.

"Finn, I... I can't accept this," I stammered, overwhelmed by the gesture. "It's too much."

He shook his head, his eyes serious. "You deserve nice things, Briar. And more than that, you deserve to feel confident and beautiful. Especially now."

I knew what he meant. My first shift was coming, and with it, the slim hope that maybe I'd turn out to be more than just a weak Omega. The thought sent a mix of excitement and fear coursing through me.

Finn squeezed my shoulder, his touch grounding me. "Wear it to the graduation party. Show everyone who you really are."

As I looked at the dress, then at Lila's encouraging smile, and finally at my brother's proud face, something shifted inside me. I thought of Selena's sneers and Damian's cruel words, and suddenly, I was angry. Angry at how they'd made me feel small for so long.

"You know what?" I said, lifting my chin. "I think I will go to that party."

Lila squealed and hugged me, while Finn's grin widened.

"That's my girl," he said softly.