Rejected bond

Chapter 5

What got me more concerned was the fact that I was scared and confused—yet still willing to read the card and even carry out what it said.

I grew even more frightened. “Who are you, and why are you doing this?” I asked, reaching for the card.

“What? Is this person sick in the head?” I screamed aloud.

Who in their right mind would ask me to slap Calista outside the school, where everyone could see?

The next morning, I was startled awake by a knock at my door.

I opened my eyes slowly, realizing I had fallen asleep on the floor with my underwear still on. The memories from the previous day came rushing back. I frowned at the thought of the new task.

“Do I really have to do this?” I whispered to myself. Before I could answer, another knock came—louder this time.

I sprang to my feet, wrapped a towel around myself, and rushed to the door.

“What were you doing that kept me waiting outside for so long?” Rudy asked, scoffing as she entered.

“I just woke up from your knock. I’m sorry for keeping you waiting,” I replied.

She smirked. “Hmm… naked, I see.”

“What? Don’t tell me you’re thinking it’s because of a guy—of course not! You know that’ll never happen,” I shot back quickly.

“I’m just joking. Now get ready, and let’s go to class,” she said, chuckling.

In no time, I was dressed, and we headed to class together.

“Notify the Alpha of my presence,” the priestess commanded one of the guards outside the throne room.

The guard bowed and quickly left. Octavia entered the great hall with a troubled look, pacing the room and tapping the floor impatiently with her sorcerer’s staff.

Soon, the Alpha entered. At the sight of the priestess, his face hardened. He already seemed to know the purpose of her visit.

He cleared his throat, making his presence known, and seated himself on the ornately carved throne, a regal depiction of his face mounted at the top.

Octavia turned, bowed in respect, and began.

“I am here because the gods spoke to me last night. Why is it taking so long to find the girl? My Alpha, time is no longer on our side.”

She paused, then added firmly, “I hope you remember what is at stake regarding this particular girl.”

“My priestess,” Gonzalo began solemnly, “of course, I remember. My life—and the lives of my family—are in danger. I’ve done all I can. I even sent my son back to school to make the search easier. She should be in the higher college by now, according to your calculations.”

“As you know, that’s the only school where humans and supernatural beings attend together,” he added.

“Then he must act quickly,” Octavia urged. “Or perhaps, you should expand your search.”

“I will do just that. Thank you, my priestess.”

“Then my work here is done. Take care of yourself, my Alpha. I’ll return soon,” she said, bowing before exiting the hall.

Gonzalo returned to his chambers, burdened with heavy thoughts. Her words echoed endlessly in his mind.

“My Alpha, I know this is hard,” Luna Erika said, placing a gentle hand on his arm. “But don’t be too hard on yourself.”

“Thank you, my Luna. But how can I be calm when the lives of my son and my beautiful mate are in danger?” he replied.

“The gods are with you,” she said reassuringly.

“She may be a demon, but I’m confident our son will find her soon.”

“Speaking of Tristan,” Gonzalo said, “I’ll have to visit him myself. He’s refused to let any guard check on him, which worries me. Please remind me tomorrow.”

“I will, my Alpha. Would you like to eat before the food gets cold?” Erika asked, flashing a smile.

“Who could resist that smile?” he replied, kissing her forehead. “Thanks to you, I’ve got my appetite back.”

Arm in arm, they headed to the dining room.

****************

“Finally, class is over. I was practically asleep during the whole lecture,” Rudy said with a yawn.

“I’m tired and hungry too. Let’s grab something to eat before we head back to our room,” I replied.

“I’ll order sticks and wings,” I told the saleslady.

“I’ll get a sandwich and fries,” Rudy added.

When our orders were ready, we sat down at a table to eat—only for Calista and her two friends to approach.

“Don’t think I’ll let this go so easily,” Calista sneered, knocking our food off the table. Her friends laughed mockingly.

“I hope this teaches you not to mess with me,” she said, turning to walk away.

But I stood up, grabbed her wrist, and yelled, “Stop!”

A sharp slap landed on her cheek.

“That’s for being a bully,” I said. Then another slap. “And this is for messing with the wrong person.”

Gasps filled the room. Everyone froze. No one had ever dared to hit Calista—let alone me.

The store erupted with noise as students crowded in to witness the scene. My name was being chanted from all corners of the room.

Calista stood frozen. Shocked. Humiliated.

Then, like a raging bull, she charged at me, ready to beat me to a pulp—until someone stepped in front of her.

I stood frozen, my eyes tightly shut, ready for the worst. My heart pounded so hard it hurt.

Seconds passed. The slap I expected never came.

The room went dead silent.

Slowly, I opened my eyes.

A man stood protectively in front of me.

I looked up.

And saw him.