The campus scheme
1131 Words
The forest released me quietly, but the night did not.
By the time the pack territory came into view, the moon had climbed higher pale, distant, and indifferent to everything it had witnessed. I slowed my pace, forcing my breathing to steady, carefully schooling my expression into calm.
If I was quiet enough… careful enough…
I could slip into my room, let the night bury everything, and face the world again tomorrow at college.
That was the plan.
I moved through the familiar paths of the pack grounds, avoiding the main hall and keeping to the shadows. The river shimmered nearby, its surface smooth and inviting. For a moment, I almost turned toward it.
Sitting by the river had always been my escape. It was the only place where my thoughts loosened, where silence felt safe.
Just a moment, I told myself. Just to breathe.
But before I could take another step, I felt it.
That quiet, steady presence.
I stopped.
The door to the small pavilion near the river stood open, lantern light spilling softly onto the grass. And there seated as though he had been waiting all along was my uncle.
I exhaled slowly.
So much for slipping in unnoticed.
“You’re late,” he said without looking up. His voice was gentle.
Too gentle.
I said nothing as I stepped inside, closing the door behind me. The wood creaked softly, as though it shared my unease.
He finally lifted his gaze. His dark eyes studied my face with the kind of attention that missed nothing.
“The party ended hours ago,” he continued. “And yet you avoided every path that would have brought you home sooner.”
I swallowed. “You already know.”
He nodded once. “I knew the moment the bond reacted.”
I looked away, moving toward the window, pretending interest in the quiet night beyond it. “Then there’s nothing to explain.”
“Leah,” he said, firmer now. “You accepted a rejection that should never have been spoken.”
I leaned my hands against the sill. The river glimmered outside peaceful, almost mocking in its calm.
“I didn’t want a scene.”
“You didn’t want to reveal yourself,” he corrected.
Silence stretched between us.
“I just wanted to sit by the river,” I admitted finally. “Just for a little while. I didn’t want questions. Or advice. Or…” My voice faltered, just for a moment. “…pity.”
He stood then and moved closer, his presence steady and protective.
“You won’t receive pity from me.”
That was all it took.
The walls I had held up all night finally cracked. I stepped forward, leaning into him as the tears I had refused to shed broke free.
“You know I warned you about Derek,” my uncle said quietly.
I didn’t answer. I couldn’t.
By the time he led me back to my room, I had cried until there was nothing left. Sleep came eventually—but it was restless, heavy, and far too short.
Morning arrived before I was ready.
I rose, took a quick shower, and dressed for college. By the time I reached the dining room, my uncle was already seated at the table, a cup of tea untouched in front of him.
“You don’t have to go today,” he said. “You can return when things settle.”
I reached for a piece of toast, shrugging lightly. “Why should I hide? I’m used to Claire and her followers.”
I paused, then added with a faint smile, “You should have seen Derek’s face when I accepted his rejection. He wasn’t expecting that.”
My uncle watched me carefully, his gaze as perceptive as ever.
“This isn’t about fear, Leah,” he said calmly. “It’s about recognizing when a situation no longer deserves your presence.”
“It’s just college,” I replied. “Nothing new.”
He held my gaze for a moment longer before nodding. “Very well. But remember who you are.”
I forced a small smile. “Unfortunately, everyone there thinks they already know who I am.”
And with that, I left.
Blood Moon College stood exactly as it always did large stone buildings, towering iron gates, and students moving through the courtyard like restless wolves circling invisible territory lines.
The whispers began the moment I stepped onto campus.
Of course they did.
Some students looked at me with curiosity. Others smirked. A few didn’t bother hiding their stares.
I ignored them and walked toward the main building.
Then I heard the voice I expected most.
“Well, look who decided to show up.”
Claire.
She stood near the entrance, her usual group gathered behind her. Her hair was perfectly styled, her uniform tailored just enough to bend the rules without breaking them, and that familiar smug smile rested on her lips like a crown.
With her father as the dean, she ruled this place almost as much as any Alpha ruled their pack.
Her gaze swept over me.
“I heard your little mate story didn’t go very well last night,” she said loudly.
Her friends laughed.
I kept walking.
Claire stepped directly into my path, blocking me.
“Oh, come on, Leah. Don’t tell me you’re still pretending to be strong.”
More laughter.
“One wolfless omega trying to claim an Alpha,” she continued mockingly. “Did you really think Derek would choose you?”
“Move,” I said calmly.
She blinked, clearly not expecting that.
Then someone behind her whispered, “Wait… isn’t that Derek?”
The crowd shifted.
And there he was.
Derek stood near the courtyard stairs, dressed in the dark uniform that marked him as one of the rising Alphas of the school. Confidence radiated from him, his reputation already carved into the air around him.
Claire’s expression brightened instantly as she looped her arm through his.
“Perfect timing,” she said sweetly.
His eyes met mine.
For a moment, the world went quiet.
“Leah,” he said.
Claire smirked. “Well? Isn’t this awkward?”
I studied him for a second really studied him.
Then I smiled.
“You should have seen his face when I accepted his rejection,” I said lightly, glancing at the others. “He wasn’t prepared for that.”
Confusion flickered through the crowd.
Claire frowned.
Derek’s jaw tightened just slightly.
Interesting.
“So don’t worry,” I added, stepping past Claire as though none of it mattered. “You can keep him.”
Claire scoffed. “Trust me, I will.”
I didn’t look back.
I simply walked past them and into the building entrance.
- Writer
