The Alpha's Forbidden Obsession

Chapter 13 - Josette

I stare at him, my mouth gaped in surprise. The cafeteria was silent now as everyone turned to look at us. My cheeks burning, I gripped the back of my chair and stood up to face him. "What are you doing?" I whisper-yelled.

He raised his brow smugly. "I'm making it clear to everyone that I know you."

Stunned, I was left staring as everyone waited for my reply. I didn't even know what to do but stare.

Vanessa jumped up from her seat and grasped my arm, her eyes flashing with concern. "Josette, maybe we should—"

But before you should finish, he asked. "Are you not going to introduce me to your friends, Josette?"

I felt my blush deepen as I tucked my hair behind my ears. Why was he doing this?

"Evander, this is Vanessa and Riley." I said gesturing to my friends, who were all staring at us with wide eyes, waving hesitantly.

"Nice to meet you ladies." He smiled and faced me, his hands outstretched. "So what do you say, friends?."

I nodded, carefully took his hands in mine, ignoring all the sparks that his touch seemed to ignite. "Friends." I repeated.

His grin widened.

^^^

Turns out, Evander was actually a natural at this friendship thing. I'd been a bit wary, but he'd proved me wrong. He was attentive, walked me to class, and made sure I was comfortable. He genuinely seemed to care.

I was still a bit surprised at the change in him. He seemed like a whole different person but I knew he had it in him, he'd been just as kind when he tutored me.

There was undeniable s****l tension between us, but we'd been strictly friends. We'd had a few... moments, but nothing that had crossed any lines.

But I couldn't help noticing how people at school were treating me differently. I'd gone from being invisible to the most popular girl in school overnight. It was surreal.

I was taken aback by the sudden interest in my social life. It was as if Evander's friendship had somehow catapulted me into the spotlight, making me worthy of their attention.

I started receiving invites to the most exclusive parties, hosted by the crème de la crème of our school's social scene.

Now, my phone buzzed with texts from people I'd never even spoken to before. "Hey, Josette! Want to come to Jake's party this weekend?" or "What's up, Josette? We're having a bonfire at Logan's house tonight. You in?"

I don't even know who Logan is.

Evander himself seemed amused by the whole situation. He seemed so unbothered by the lengths people would go to get in his favour.

They were doing it now. Nodding along to his every word without minds of their own. It was sickening. Liam alone seemed to possess a backbone, but even he held back, never pushing too hard.

We are hanging out with some friends for lunch. By friends, I meant his friends, most of them I'd just been introduced to. With none of my friends to keep me company, I'd started to feel bored and out of place.

I'd tuned out of the conversation, but I'd caught bits and pieces. The topic was about Gabe and Hermione, the high school power couple everyone thought they'd end up together. Apparently, their relationship dated back to middle school, but it had crashed over the weekend. The juiciest part? Gabe had already moved on to Tara, leaving zero chance of reconciliation.

It had been a spectacle or so I heard courtesy of Riley, who'd attended Tara's 18th birthday bash last Saturday. Gabe and Hermione had also been present and according to everyone, he'd dumped Hermione on the spot for Tara. The worst part, Tara and Hermione were supposedly best friends. I couldn't imagine how betrayed Hermione must have felt. The whole thing sounded absolutely horrendous. To have your best friend stab you in the back. How terrible.

As I listened to their conversation, I felt a growing sense of disgust. They all seemed to be in agreement with what Gabe did, and I couldn't help but question what kind of people they were.

"At least he got rid of her before she had him shackled for life." One of the guys said. I think they introduced him as wren.

His comment made my stomach turn. The group erupted in laugher and nods of agreement.

Unable to hold back, I bit out. "And why would that be so bad?" I asked with a frown.

The laughter stopped and they looked at me confused. "What do you mean?" Wren asked.

"They obviously had something for their relationship to have lasted that long." I continued.

Wren c****d his head, smirking. "Clearly she wasn't meant for him."

"You don't actually believe all that 'made for each other stuff, do you?" I c****d a brow.

He opened his mouth to reply, but Evander flashed him a glare, shutting him up.

An uncomfortable silence settled in, and everyone avoided my eyes for the rest of lunch. I squirmed uncomfortably in my seat. They all seem to be in on something, and I was the only outsider.

When the silence became unbearable, I stood up, excusing myself from the table. "Where are you headed?" Evander asked.

"Just need to use the ladies' room," I replied, forcing a casual tone. If he caught the hint of tension in my voice, he didn't let on, merely nodding before I turned and walked away.

Out of their sight, I finally felt able to breathe. It felt so awkward in there. Everyone seemed to watch what they were saying around me, leaving me lost and confused.

Just as I was starting to relax, one of the girls from our table walked in - Trish, who had barely acknowledged my existence until I'd become friends with Evander.

And I wished it wasn't so. She'd been shooting me daggers with her eyes and I was almost certain she hated me, but I had no clue why.

I tried to leave, but she stepped in front of me, blocking my way.

"You bitch." She sneered.