Promise of a Blue Wolf

chapter 7

Ashley pov:

I went to school with Aunt's daughter, Ava. She is very kind and caring, and the best part is that she studies in the same class as me. Before, we didn't spend much time together because I had to attend many private classes, so I rarely got the chance to be with my classmates. I did have many friends—more like family friends. Ava and I weren't that close. I just knew her as Aunt's daughter, and we rarely talked. But trust me, she is very kind.

When I entered the school, I saw my friends. I waved at them with a warm smile on my face, but it faded within seconds. Yeah, you guessed right. They ignored me as if I didn't exist, as if I were a complete stranger. They were talking among themselves, apparently about something interesting, so I walked closer to them.

I was right. What they were talking about was interesting enough to leave me speechless.

Shaya, my best friend back then, laughed and said, "Who the hell does she think she is? Going against the Alpha. If I were her, I would never do that."

Kaish asked, "Aren't you her best friend?"

She laughed and replied, "Hell no. She is nothing but an Omega. I don't want a bestie like her. In fact, I don't even want a friend like her."

Everyone laughed with her.

How could she say something like that about me? They didn't even care about my feelings. They were gossiping about me right in front of me, and I just stood there like a statue. Was she really my best friend, or was she not?

A hand patted my shoulder. I turned around and saw Ava standing behind me. She had heard everything too. She smiled and said, "Let's go to class together."

I nodded and started walking toward the classroom with her.

"Don't worry, Ash. Everything will be fine soon, okay?" she said.

I whispered so only she could hear me. "I thought she was my best friend, but it seems she never was."

A tear rolled down my cheek.

Ava hugged me and gently patted my back.

"She doesn't deserve to be your friend. It's her loss, not yours, so don't cry over silly things. You are very brave, so don't waste these precious tears on someone like her."

She pulled away from the hug and wiped the tears from my cheeks.

I thought no matter what happened, my friends would stay with me, but I was wrong. Those who once welcomed me with warm hugs were now staring at me with disgust. I did nothing wrong to them, yet they treated me as if I had committed a terrible crime. If staying with my own sister is a crime, then I am happy I committed it.

Ava was right. They weren't worth it.

I sat beside Ava and focused all my attention on studying. I heard them joke about my situation several times and giggle among themselves, but if it made them happy, they could continue. I didn't care.

Nothing would change the fact that I was still the Alpha's first daughter.

During lunch break, everyone went to the cafeteria. I had forgotten to bring food, and I didn't have any money to buy something to eat. So I sat alone with a book in my hand. I didn't want to waste time doing nothing, so I started reading.

Someone placed a lunch box on the table and sat in front of me.

I looked up and saw Ava smiling.

"Ash, here it is—your lunch. Mom packed one for you too. Try it. I'm sure you'll like it."

I smiled.

"Thanks, dear."

I put my book aside and opened the lunch box.

I was so thankful to Aunt. She never forgot anything about me. I was so glad to have Aunt and Ava by my side.

"Oh, the princess is having a home-packed lunch today."

A feminine voice came from behind me.

Ava and I turned around and saw Shaya and her friends standing there.

I ignored them and continued eating.

"Oh dear, did you forget? She isn't the Alpha's daughter anymore. She's just an Omega."

They all giggled.

Ava looked at me sadly, but I simply smiled, which seemed to confuse her.

She whispered, "Are you okay?"

I nodded.

"Hmm. Thanks for your advice earlier."

I smiled, and she smiled back.

They became annoyed because we didn't react the way they expected.

Shaya turned her gaze to Ava and asked, "Don't you feel ashamed to be with her? She's the Alpha's abandoned daughter. Aren't you scared of the Alpha? What if he punishes you for helping her?"

This time, it hurt.

I didn't want to get Ava or Aunt into trouble.

I lowered my head to hide the tears that were fighting to escape.

But when I heard Ava's answer, my lips stretched into a smile.

"Yeah, I don't feel ashamed, and I'm not scared. In fact, I'm glad to be friends with someone as brave as her."

They were so annoyed that they finally left.

Ava giggled as she watched them go.

"Thanks, Ava. But if you keep taking my side, I'm afraid they'll report you to the Alpha..."

I couldn't finish my sentence because she interrupted me.

"I still remember when my family needed help. Your mom was the only one who stood by us. And now you need your friends the most, so I'm here. But if you think I'm not capable of being your friend, then that's okay."

She made a pouty face.

"Are you crazy?" I quickly replied. "You're more than capable. From now on, you're my best friend."

I smiled, and she giggled.

She probably didn't even know how thankful I was to her. Without her, I might have ended up crying in front of everyone. She was the one who gave me support and courage.

I was so glad I had found a true friend. At least now I knew who was real and who was fake.

After lunch break, when I entered the classroom, a secretary came and told me that the principal was waiting for me.

I was scared.

Different thoughts fought inside my head.

"Excuse me, may I come in?" I asked politely and waited for a response.

After a moment, the principal replied, "Yes, come in, Ashley."

I walked in, and he pointed to a chair in front of him. I sat down.

"I am sorry. I heard about your mom, your sister, and everything that happened. Are you okay now?"

I nodded.

"Yes."

He smiled sadly.

"You've become much braver than I ever thought. But I'm afraid this might affect your future."

I forced a smile.

"No, sir. Being with my sister won't ruin my future. In fact, she is my future."

He nodded.

"I like your love for your sister, Ashley. But as an adult, I want you to think about your choice again. I received strict orders from your father. From now on, you won't attend private classes, and you'll be treated like a normal Omega. You know what that means, right? You're a very smart girl. Without a doubt, you'll go very far if you continue as you did before. But unfortunately... I'm sorry."

He looked genuinely sad.

I smiled.

"Principal Uncle, don't worry. I'll try my best. Thank you for your concern. I'm grateful that I can still come to school, and that's enough for me. Really, thank you."

He nodded.

When I came out of the principal's office, I was shocked to see Ava waiting outside.

The moment she saw me, she ran over and hugged me.

"What happened?" she asked.

I smiled and told her about my conversation with the principal.

She smiled warmly.

"I'm proud of you. Really. You're very brave."

I giggled.

She always managed to improve my mood by saying something nice.

We walked back to the classroom together.

When we entered, I noticed that the entire class was staring at us.

But I didn't care.

I was strong before, but now I was even stronger.

I had Ava, Aunt, and my baby sister.

That was enough.

There was nothing more I needed.

I would never forget Ava and Aunt. They supported me and stood by my side when everyone else walked away.