Bound To My Alpha’s Uncle

Four

~Marissa~

As I walked briskly towards school, my thoughts were consumed by Dominic and the effects of his unexpected departure that had stirred within me. But as I neared the campus, my focus shifted, and I found myself back in the busy hallways again, with students talking.

Beside me, my roommate Sophie chattered excitedly, her voice a cheerful contrast to the turmoil brewing inside me. "So, Marissa, how was your birthday? Did Tristan spoil you rotten like he promised?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Her innocent question struck a nerve, and I felt a surge of anger rise within me. How could I ever forget that betrayal? Even if my memory were ever wiped, it would still be the first thing I would remember before my name.

With a bitter edge to my voice, I replied, "Oh, you could say it was an unforgettable birthday, alright." My tone was laced with sarcasm, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of satisfaction at the thought of what awaited Tristan when he returned home.

Sophie's expression faltered at my tone, her eyes widening in surprise. "What happened? Did something go wrong?" she asked, concern etched across her features.

I clenched my fists, struggling to contain the mixed feelings that threatened to spill over. "You could say that," I muttered. "Tristan's true colors finally came shining through, and let's just say, I didn't like what I saw."

Sophie's eyes widened in shock, and she reached out to place a comforting hand on my arm. "Oh, Marissa, I'm so sorry," she murmured, her voice filled with sympathy. "What did he do?"

As much as I hated to be in this position, I knew I couldn’t avoid talking about it, especially since I always filled everyone’s ears with the name of my loving boyfriend, who was the devil in disguise.

"Let's just say I caught him in a rather compromising situation," I replied through gritted teeth. "He wasn't exactly faithful to our relationship, if you catch my drift."

Sophie gasped in horror, her eyes widening in disbelief. "No way!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with outrage. "After all this time? I can't believe he would do something like that to you."

I shook my head, my heart heavy with the weight of betrayal. "Believe me, neither could I," I replied, my voice thick with emotion. "But I guess some people are just incapable of being faithful, no matter how much you love them."

“Who’s the snake that even slept with him? Everyone is fully aware of your relationship with him.” She insisted on knowing.

I didn’t want to disclose, so I just dropped hints: “Someone I never expected it to be.”

Every eye in the hallway seemed to turn to look at us as Sophie's gasp reverberated; their inquisitive looks made it worse.

The word of Tristan's treachery spread like wildfire, and whispers started to move through the audience like a name for himself in a sea of murmuring.

Their intense gaze was pressing down on me, and for an instant I felt vulnerable, like my suffering was on display for everyone to see. But then something strange took place. Sophie's eyes grew wide with comprehension as she reached out to me, her voice a quiet whisper above the din. "Marissa, I'm so sorry," she apologized regretfully in a whisper. "I didn't intend to provoke a scene.”

I shook my head, giving her a comforting smile in spite of the chaos going on inside of me. "It's alright, Sophie," I answered. "You couldn't have known how much it would affect me." Sophie gently squeezed my arm as her expression softened with relief.

Still, she said in a guilty-tainted voice, "I should have been more careful." "I didn't mean to draw so much attention to you." I dismissed her worries, making an effort to appear brave.

"Don't worry about it," I said, maintaining my composure in spite of the quiver of rage that was seeping into my words. "You're not to blame. Besides, it's preferable to address it now rather than allowing it to cook up.”

"Well, you're probably right," she said, her tone empathetic. "But still, if there's anything I can do to help, just let me know, okay?"

But just as I began to regain my composure and respond to her, another obstacle emerged in my path.

Bianca, with her perfectly styled hair and designer clothes, sauntered up to us, her expression smug and her gaze fixed squarely on me. Bianca had always been one of Tristan's admirers, and it was no secret that she had harbored feelings for him in the past.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Marissa," she cooed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I heard about your little birthday party. It looks like Tristan had quite the celebration planned for you."

Her remarks brought back thoughts of Tristan's adultery and the suffering it had caused, like salt in an open wound. However, I didn't want her to know how much her jokes hurt me. Instead, desperate to avoid any more confrontation, I contrived a tight smile and tried to dodge her.

"Excuse me, Bianca," I replied coolly, my voice betraying none of the turmoil raging inside me. "I have class to attend, so if you'll excuse me..."

But Bianca had other plans, and she moved to block my path, her eyes glittering with malice. "Oh, I'm not done with you yet, Marissa," she sneered, her voice laced with venom. "I heard about your little breakup with Tristan. It looks like someone finally came to their senses."

Her words stung like a slap in the face, but I refused to give her the satisfaction of seeing me break. Instead, I held my head high and met her gaze head-on, refusing to back down.

"I have nothing to say to you, Bianca," I replied, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I really must be going."

With that, I attempted to walk past her, but Bianca wasn't about to let me off that easily. With a smirk, she reached out and grabbed my arm, her grip like a vice.

"Not so fast, Marissa," she hissed, her eyes flashing with malice. "I think we have some unfinished business to attend to."

Her insolence caused a wave of rage to rise within me, but I forced myself to stay composed. I had class to attend and more other matters to attend to, so I couldn't afford to let her entice me into a fight.

"Let go of me, Bianca," I demanded, my voice low and controlled. "I have no interest in whatever petty drama you're trying to stir up."

But Bianca only tightened her grip, her nails digging into my skin. "Oh, I think you'll find this far from petty, Marissa," she replied, her voice dripping with malice. "In fact, I think you'll find it quite enlightening."

I could feel our classmates' gazes on us, their whispers piercing my heart like needles. However, I resisted letting Bianca know how deeply her remarks moved me. Rather, I squatted down and directly faced her, my face wearing a defiant mask. "Let go of me, Bianca," I said again, my voice resolute and steely. "Or else." Bianca's hold loosened just a little bit, and it looked like she might actually listen. But suddenly, her eyes bright with joy, she grinned and tightened her grip once more.

"I don't think so, Marissa," she replied, her voice cold. "I think it's time you learned your place."

She then gave me a backward shove, sending me flying into the throng of spectators. Their shocked gasps could be heard as I struggled to regain my footing and felt my heart race in my chest.

“I’d be damned to be disgraced like this again.” I groaned, rushing up to her with a challenge.

But as she was about to defend herself from my attack, some sly wolves from the slums decided to butt in.

“Isn’t it, Little Miss Uncouth? Always picking up a fight with everyone for someone who has been rejected from her lineage of warrior wolves, you might get your ass kicked today.”

The sound of Violet’s voice ringing through the air just made me want to yank her hair and slam her face against her locker.