Drawn to the Alpha

18

He watches me as I walk through the doors and continue into the hall.

“Don’t you think it’s inappropriate to parade your new relationship around the school and all of the children?” Stacy asks with a fierce glare as I walk by her and Karen, the resident bullies of the school.

“Don’t you think it’s inappropriate to parade that resting b***h face around to everyone wherever you go?” I shoot back at her.

She opens her mouth and scoffs as I storm right up to them.

Carter bought me some new clothes and I look and feel great. My hair still looks like I got it done at the butcher shop, but that’s because I’m a teacher and the missing chunk of hair was just an occupational hazard.

I’m done taking any s**t from Stacy and Karen. Knowing that Carter loves me gives me the boost of confidence I need to defeat these bullies once and for all.

And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.

“This is my school too,” I tell them in a firm voice as I get in their faces. “I’m a good teacher and a good friend. You would have known that if you ever bothered to get to know me in the first place before you cast your judgment upon me. I’m not going anywhere and I’m not going to be bullied by you two any longer.”

They’re staring with their mouths wide open as I shove my finger into their shocked faces.

“If you have something to say then say it to my face and enough of this passive-aggressive bullshit or we’re going to settle this in the schoolyard. Got it?”

Stacy swallows hard as I stare into her eyes with a fierce look on my face. She nods.

“Say it,” I snap.

Her eyes drop to the floor. “Got it.”

“And that’s the last comment you’re going to make about my hair, my clothes, my car, or my man,” I say to Karen. “Got it?”

She’s a little tougher to crack, but when I lock my heated eyes on her, she breaks just like her friend did. “Got it.”

“Good. Now, I’m not one to hold grudges, so if you want to start over, then fine. Otherwise, stay out of my f*****g way.”

I charge through them, slamming my shoulders into both of them as I head to my classroom.

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Gwendolyn the principal watching me from the receptionist’s office.

I guess I’m getting fired now.

Oh well, I liked this job while it lasted, but I’m done being a punching bag for other people. Carter has shown me that I have value and I’m not about to let him down for anyone or any job.

And more importantly, I’m not going to let down myself.

After the last kid gets on his bus, I return to my classroom as they drive away. I’m already thinking of Carter as I clean up the mess from our turkey craft and start to prepare what I’m doing tomorrow.

I have a permanent smile on my face as I wipe down the tables.

I’m still in shock that I get to go home to such an amazing man.

“What are you so happy about?” a voice says behind me.

I whip my head around and see Gwendolyn there, watching me.

My spirits plummet.

“Have you come to fire me?”

“For standing up to Stacy and Karen?” she asks.

“Yeah.”

She laughs as she walks in and sits down on a desk.

“Can I tell you a secret?” she whispers.

I nod.

“I hate those gossipy bitches.”

I burst out laughing as she grins. “I thought I was the only one,” I tell her.

“Nope.” She shakes her head. “I’ve never liked bullies.”

“Me neither,” I say as I wipe the blackboard clean.

“I liked the way you handled yourself,” she says as she watches me. “Maybe a few less swear words on school grounds would have been nice, but you got the job done.”

“Sorry about that,” I say as I flush with embarrassment.

She waves her hand at me.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll leave it out of your yearly evaluation.”

“Yearly evaluation?” I ask as my heart stops in my chest.

She grins. “Nathalie isn’t coming back. She’s becoming a stay-at-home mom.”

“Really?” I ask as my body brims with anticipation. “And who’s getting her job?”

Gwendolyn smiles. “I was hoping that you would take it.”

My mouth drops. “Really?”

“Under one condition.”

“Anything.”

“You get a new car. And to help you afford one, I’ll give you a pay raise.”

I rush over and leap onto her, hugging her as I thank her over and over again.

“Should I take that as a yes?” she asks with a laugh.

I’m so happy, I have tears in my eyes. “Yes!” I say with a smile so big that it hurts. “A thousand times yes!”