Rejected bond

Chapter 2. Tristan pov

I couldn’t raise my head, afraid to see everyone laughing at me for my stupid actions.

“Do you ever have time to study or do something you actually love—rather than follow her around and do whatever she says?” Rudy’s voice cut through the tension.

“How dare you talk to my friends like that?” Calista snarled, raising her hand to slap Rudy.

But she was stopped mid-motion by a lecturer passing by.

Calista’s eyes burned with hatred as she stared daggers at Rudy. She gave a deadly look and stormed off, clearly not satisfied. I could tell she was already plotting something, and Rudy wasn’t going to get off easy next time.

Rudy thanked the lecturer and walked away quickly, disappearing down the hallway toward her room.

***********

“Send word to my father that I’ll be staying a few more weeks,” I said flatly.

“But the Alpha demanded we return today,” one of the guards replied hesitantly.

My eyes darkened into my wolf’s deep red, and in a flash, I had my hand around the guard’s neck. “Who are you to question my orders?” I growled, my voice low and lethal.

He dropped to his knees, gasping for air. He knew better than to anger me—but he also feared my father more. One wrong move, and the Alpha would do worse than I ever could.

I released him, my hand twitching with restraint. Without another word, I vanished using my speed, too furious to deal with them anymore. The guards bolted as well, likely grateful to still have their throats.

I ended up in the garden, sitting and throwing pebbles at the stone wall in front of me. The anger didn’t go away—it clawed inside me. What bothered me even more was the question circling in my mind like a storm:

Why do I care so much about that weak human girl?

Earlier, I overheard two girls whispering about the new student. I knew they were talking about me. I almost walked away—but something pulled me closer.

To my surprise, it was Daciana. The same girl I hadn’t been able to get out of my mind since I stepped into this school. She was asking about me.

I hid nearby and watched, amused by her childish enthusiasm as she dragged her friend to my class, eager to find me. It made me smirk.

Usually, I enjoy watching women make fools of themselves over me. I’m not just the Alpha’s son—I’m ruthless, desirable, feared. Back home, she-wolves fight each other just for my attention.

But what happened next? It shook me.

Daciana didn’t find me—and instead of laughing it off or flipping her hair in frustration, she cried. She ran away.

Over a girl like Calista.

That weakness… I couldn’t comprehend it. I was furious. I wanted to jump in and rip Calista apart, but I remembered my father’s warning: stay hidden, don’t let the girl we are searching for suspect anything.

So I walked away, burning with rage—and that’s when the idea struck me. I wouldn’t return home until she became strong enough to fight back. Until I made her strong.

But why?

I had never cared about anyone—not even my own blood. Now, my thoughts revolved around some weak, human girl. There had to be more to this connection. I had to find out.

I stood up and walked toward my car, mind spinning with plans, when someone bumped into me.

My reaction was instant—I shoved her away without thinking, forgetting I wasn’t in my world. I caught her before she hit the ground, bringing her gently to her feet.

“Please watch where you’re going next time,” I said, forcing a polite smile.

Instead of reacting with anger or fear, she just stared at me.

With a wide, lovesick smile.

I was ready to cough up blood from how long she kept staring at me like that.

“What is wrong with people in this school?” I muttered and stormed off.

From behind me, Calista stood frozen like she’d been turned to stone, still staring as I got into my car and drove away.

“What are you thinking about, Calista? You’ve been staring into space for minutes now,” one of her friends asked as they approached.

Snapping out of her trance, she gasped for air and leaned heavily on one of them.

“What happened? Did you forget how to breathe?” the other friend teased.

“I walked into the new student, and he held my hand and smiled at me… with those cute red eyes,” she said, blushing hard.

Her friends burst into laughter, surprised by her dramatic tone.

“Girl, we all know he’s cute—why are you acting like you’ve never seen a hot guy before?” one of them said sarcastically.

“Have you even talked to him?” Calista asked, suddenly sharp.

“Of course. He’s in my class. We talk all the time,” the second friend lied effortlessly, clearly trying to stir jealousy.

“Well, stop. From now on, I’ll be the only one he talks to,” Calista said firmly.

The two girls exchanged glances.

“Wait—what’s going on?” one of them asked.

“I want him to be my mate. I’m already in love with him. All that’s left is for him to love me back.”

“You’re kidding, right? We don’t even know who he is. What if he already has a mate?” they said, voices laced with disbelief.

“I’ll find out. Have you both forgotten that my mother is the Witch Queen?” she snapped, lifting her chin with pride.

“I’ll ask her to check. If he does have a mate… then I’ll have her cast a spell to make him reject her and choose me.”

Her victorious smile said it all.

“Keep an eye on him. Watch every girl he talks to or spends time with. Report everything back to me immediately.”

The silence that followed made her growl.

“Are you two listening to me?!”

They flinched and nodded quickly.

“Yes, Calista.”