The Demon I Created

THE ENCOUNTER

THIRD POV

Things had been smooth for Ida at her new school.

Her mom drove her every morning. She kept up with lessons. She got along with Kim. She even texted Kate like she promised.

Everything was fine.

Until _he_ showed up again.

---

Raphael hadn’t been at school since his mom collapsed. The palace felt empty without the Queen.

Under pressure from his Beta and aunt, he finally returned.

As Alpha King, he had to check on his people—even when he wasn’t okay himself. They were his family too.

The moment he stepped on campus, the school went silent.

Everyone bowed.

He wore a white shirt and black trousers, face calm as he walked through the crowd. Respect clung to him like a shadow.

Betty sat on his desk, smiling when she saw him.

“What’s this, Betty?” Raphael said. “Why are you on my desk without permission?”

_Rhael_, his wolf growled.

Betty’s smile vanished. Everyone flinched at the sound. Rhael was dangerous, and not even Raphael could control him sometimes.

Feeling humiliated, Betty forced her smile back.

“I’m the future Luna chosen by the elders,” she said coldly. “Sitting at my future husband’s desk is my right.”

Silence fell.

Only the wind dared to whistle. All looked down, scared to even move.

“If the elders chose you,” Raphael said, voice low, “go sit on _their_ desk. Or marry the one who recommended you. He must like you.”

Everyone trembled and dropped their heads.

Raphael grabbed Betty’s chin and pulled her close.

“This is the last time you pull a stunt like this. Or call me your future husband. Is that clear?”

He shoved her off the table with disgust.

She’d been shameless since she rejected her mate to become Luna.

Raphael pulled out sanitizer and wiped the desk three times.

Some students snickered. Others pitied Betty.

No one knew the real reason Raphael hated her.

Betty got up, face burning, and stormed out.

As the head of the council’s daughter, she was used to getting her way. It's either what she wants or nothing

That's what most believed, but none really knew the truth...

Raphael was eighteen and still mateless.

Unheard of for an Alpha King.

He sat down after wiping the desk again.

“Raph, her scent’s gone now,” Gabriel said, sitting beside him. “I know she’s a b***h, but control yourself. She’s still a female. And she’s been your friend since childhood.”

Raphael thought about it.

Why let someone who didn’t matter make him forget his upbringing?

“Fine,” he muttered. “I’ll try to be a gentleman next time. No promises.”

Gabriel smiled.

Everyone saw Raphael as ruthless and untouchable. But behind those walls, he was just a guy who needed love … he needed his mate.

The teacher walked in and class started.

The day went smoothly. Too smoothly.

At recess, Gabriel kept glancing at Raphael.

He wanted to say something but couldn’t.

“Say it,” Raphael snapped. “You’ve been staring. It’s annoying.”

Gabriel sighed. “You told me to take down the portrait. But you forgot—it’s untouchable. Forbidden. Only you and your Luna can touch it.”

Raphael frowned. “Sorry. I wasn’t thinking straight. If my Luna ever touches it… it’ll be the start of something terrible. That’s what Mom said. I don’t even know why.”

"Who even touched the portrait? Where is she?"

They headed to the cafeteria, talking about school and pack issues.

On the other side, Ida and Kim had just walked in.

Ida wore a white t-shirt and jeans after fighting with her mom about dress code all morning.

“I can’t believe that happened in class,” Ida said. “Who’s that girl, and why did that senior embarrass her like that?”

“He’s the King,” Kim said. “What he says is final. Would you force yourself on a guy who doesn’t love you?”

“Love isn’t forced,” Kim continued. “It finds you when it’s time. And when it comes, it won’t be roses and chocolates. It’ll be a cactus. If you hold on without judging by looks, you might find it’s a pineapple all along.”

“Jeez, relax,” Ida laughed. “Are you in love or something? You talk like you’re fifty. I’m not a lover girl. If love comes my way, I’m running the other way.”

“We’ll see,” Kim said as they grabbed their food.

Ida turned to answer her—and walked straight into a wall.

_Crash!_

Plates shattered. Every eye in the cafeteria snapped to them.

“Are you blind or what, i***t?” Raphael growled, alpha tone making everyone freeze.

Ida looked up.

The guy who’d spilled her food wasn’t even apologizing. He was calling _her_ an i***t.

Her face twisted with rage.

“And you’re a walking refrigerator with no eyes or hearing,” she shot back. “If you had eyes, you’d see people around you. How tiny am I that you couldn’t see me? And instead of apologizing like a gentleman, you’re calling me an i***t? Such rudeness. Don't you have manners?

Ida glared hard at him. Raphael was also getting on edge.

Who dared raise her voice at the Alpha of the Red Moon Pack?

Come on, Kim. I’ve lost my appetite.”

She grabbed Kim’s hand and turned to leave.

“Hey!” Rhael growled. Gabriel staggered back from the force of it.

Ida stopped and turned.

Golden eyes flickered red, then back to gold.

The same eyes from her dream.

"Those eyes. The same ones that haunted me.

My heart started pounding. Run. I need to run.