BULLIED BY MY MATE

He Knew Something

Alera’s POV

The arrival of Professor Christian and some of our friends startled me. I also saw the same surprise in Rayvan’s eyes. We looked like thieves caught red-handed.

“What are you doing outside the cabin this late at night? It's freezing out here.” Professor Christian stared at us flatly. It wasn’t like him to act this cold.

“I couldn’t sleep, Professor Christian. So Rayvan and I talked for a while.” My voice trembled. I could see my friends looking at us suspiciously. There were Alan, Alex, Zack, and even Richard.

“Talking in the middle of the night like this? You two wanted to cuddle, didn’t you?” Zack smirked, the corner of his lips curling upward.

“Zack, it’s not what you think. We were just talking, nothing more.” Rayvan said firmly.

“Just talking? I’m not a kid you can fool.” Zack sneered again, his gaze sharp and piercing. He had always been Rayvan’s rival.

“Rayvan, Alera, I heard you’re dating. I know, maybe you wanted to spend time together or enjoy the night. But this is winter camp, and there are rules. You can’t just sneak out in the middle of the night. You’re not allowed to flaunt or exploit your romance excessively.” Professor Christian looked at both of us in turn. His demeanor was as cold as ice.

“Forgive us, Professor. I assure you, Alera and I didn’t break any winter camp rules. We were only talking.” Rayvan tried to explain.

“I believe them, Professor. They wouldn’t do anything against the rules.” Richard was truly the best. He knew how to stand up for his friends.

“That’s right, Professor,” Alan added with a faint smile. “Rayvan and Alera are a sweet couple who only ever talk or grab coffee together. As far as I remember, they’ve never even gone on a date alone.” He winked at Rayvan, showing his strong camaraderie.

Professor Christian fixed his sharpest gaze on me, as if I had committed a grave mistake. There was no way I could tell him what had really happened.

“Alera, remember that you received your scholarship under strict conditions, including your behavior. Don’t risk losing it just for breaking the rules. I’m not trying to interfere in your personal matters. Falling in love and being in a relationship is something I can’t forbid. But you must guard your own reputation, especially as a scholarship student and as a popular basketball player on campus.”

His words pierced deeply. His expression wasn’t as friendly as usual. Something about him felt different.

My breath hitched. I could only lower my head under his searing gaze. It carried something unspoken.

“Forgive us, Professor.” That was all I managed to say.

Professor Christian exhaled slowly. “Be careful, Alera.” He glanced around at the others. “Now, return to your cabins.”

One by one, we walked back to our cabins. Rayvan held my hand, as if to reassure me that something like this would never happen again—and that he would protect me.

*****

The morning felt cold, though not as bitter as last night. The air was fresh, blended with the scent of pine drifting in the breeze.

To start the day, we cooked breakfast together. Each group was free to choose their own menu.

My cheerleader team prepared bread and grilled sausages. We deliberately picked something simple.

Samantha was all excited while grilling the bread. From time to time, she cast glances at Professor Christian. And whenever he looked her way, she acted like the best chef in the world, eager to impress.

“Oh my God, he’s damn hot,” Samantha whispered while stealing glances at Professor Christian from afar.

Lilian, Clara, and Lisa chuckled softly.

“When the bread is ready, you could give it to Professor Christian. Maybe he’ll be touched by your thoughtfulness,” Lilian suggested, handing her a plate.

Samantha accepted it with a sweet smile. Meanwhile, I focused on the grilled sausages that were already done. Clara, Lisa, and Lilian each tasted one. I used to think they were always careful with food and ate only a little, but this time I saw them eating quite a lot.

Professor Christian walked toward us. Samantha carefully arranged the bread on the plate and added a sausage. She prepared to offer it to him, but he passed her by. Instead, he came straight toward me.

“Alera, I want to talk,” he said flatly.

The four cheerleaders looked at me curiously. I could clearly see jealousy in Samantha’s eyes.

“Talk about what, Professor?”

“Not here. Over there.” Professor Christian pointed toward a spot near the pine trees.

I glanced at Samantha. She pouted, her jealousy plain. I didn’t say anything—only gave a small nod, trying to assure her there was no reason to be jealous. Honestly, I had no idea what Professor Christian wanted to say either.

I followed him toward the place he pointed out. My heart pounded, nervous that he might scold me again for what happened last night.

“Alera…”

“Yes, Professor.”

“Are you trying to hide something?”

His question made my brow furrow.

“What do you mean, Professor?”

Professor Christian let out a heavy sigh.

“I can’t just take your word for what you said last night.” He kept watching me intently.

I stayed quiet, waiting for him to continue.

“Last night, you two weren’t just talking. I smelled blood. Not ordinary human blood… but Lycan blood.”

My mouth fell open. Professor Christian knew something?

Who exactly was he?

The air grew colder, yet something inside my chest was burning. Clearly, Professor Christian knew more than I had imagined. Suddenly, his presence felt shrouded in mystery.

Professor Christian gave a crooked smile.

“You’re not the only one good at keeping secrets, Alera.”