Chapter 3: Politics and Crushes
1305 Words
The early morning sun spilled through the cracked windows of the library, casting long shadows across the worn wooden tables. I was busy studying when a soft rustle broke my focus.
Brianna was standing nearby, her arms crossed and a glint in her eye I couldn’t place. She was looking effortlessly stylish and her locks were in a half up half down style.
"Studying again?” She asked with a smirk curling her lips.
"I have to keep my grades up." I spoke softly.
"I need to talk to you." My stomach clenched.
"Did you hear about the Alpha Council nominations?" she asked, her tone carefully casual.
I shook my head, pretending ignorance. Politics was something I preferred to avoid.
"No, I've been… busy studying."
"Right," she said with a hint of skepticism in her voice.
"Well, they're happening soon, and apparently, Amir is pushing for more omega representation."
Just the mention of his name sent a shiver down my spine. Over the past week, it was hard to avoid him. He seemed to enjoy both tormenting and… flirting with me? It was confusing. It was a game I couldn't afford to play, but I couldn’t find the quit button.
"That's… good, I guess," I mumbled, trying to sound indifferent.
"Good? Gabi, this is our chance! An omega on the Council would be huge! And with your brains…" She trailed off, her implication hung in the air.
My eyes widened.
"You want me to run?" The thought was absurd.
I was barely keeping my head above water as it was, trying to hide my wolf-less state. Putting myself in the spotlight was a death wish! There’s no way she’s being serious right now! I recoiled; my fingers tightened around my book.
"I don't want to be in the middle of any drama." I stated.
"Oh, come on! You're going to be in it whether you like it or not.” She pouted.
“You've already caught Amir's eye. That's a big deal." She paused looking at me expectantly.
"You should capitalize on that." My cheeks flushed.
"But I don't want anything to do with him."
"Too late, girl!" Brianna grinned.
"And Billie? She's not going to let you off easy."Billie.
She was an alphas daughter and the Regina George of Blue Crest.
"I… I don't know, Brianna," I stammered.
“I don’t really do politics."
"Come on, Gabi," she pressed.
"This is our chance to make a difference here.” She walked over to me and took a seat.
“And let's be honest, who else is going to stand up to Billie and her echman?"
Ava was who she was referencing. She was always beside Billie. It was like she was attached to the girl. Always following after her like her tail. I sighed. Brianna was right.
No one was gonna put a stop to Billie’s mayhem. I doubt I could do much about that but if I was a part of the council, then maybe I wouldn’t have to look over my shoulder as much, and who knows, maybe we could hold the Elites responsible for their outlandish behavior.
Omegas were often overlooked, their voices drowned out by the Alphas and Betas. Maybe, just maybe, being on the council could make a difference. But at what cost?
"I'll think about it," I said finally, hoping to buy myself some time.
"That's all I ask." She smiled at me sweetly.
The next day I was studying at a corner table in the cafeteria, because the library was closed for maintenance. I was trying to ignore the choir of voices and the ever-present feeling of being watched, When Billie and Ava approached me. Their shadows covered my textbook.
"Well, well, well," Billie snarled.
"Look what we have here. Looks like Little Gabriella is lost in her books again." She snickered as she flicked my book with her finger.
Ava giggled behind her, mirroring Billie's cruel smile. I swallowed hard, trying to maintain eye contact.
"Is there something you need?" I spoke softly.
"Oh, no. I’m just admiring your dedication," She said sarcastically.
"It must be exhausting trying so hard to compensate for, your… your omega status." She snatched my textbook out of my hand and flipped through the pages.
My hands trembled slightly, betraying me. My anxiety was building and the last thing I needed was for Billie and her minion to be aware of it.
"Leave her alone, Billie," someone said.
I glanced up to see Amir standing behind them. Both Billie and Ava immediately straightened up.
"We were just having a little friendly chat," Billie stated with a voice of innocence.
She handed my textbook back to me and I cradled it to my chest. Amir's gaze flickered to me. Amusement danced in his eyes, and… Something else, I couldn’t place it.
"I'm sure you were.” He smirked.
“Gabriella looks like she needs to study. Why don't you two go bother someone else?" He said dismissively.
Billie and Ava retreated. Both their faces flushed with humiliation. As they walked away, Billie shot me a venomous glare and I knew that this wasn’t gonna be the end of it.
Amir pulled up a chair, settling in across from me. My heart began to pick up speed. When it came to our interactions, I had no idea how they would go and that seemed to be his plan.
"So, Gabriella," he said, his voice low and husky.
"Still hiding behind those books, I see.”
I avoided his gaze, focusing attention on my textbook. I opened it and pretended to be busy reading.
"I'm trying to study."
"Studying is important, yes," he agreed smoothly.
"But you shouldn't let it consume you. You need to learn to relax. Enjoy yourself." The tone of his voice was soothing to my ears.
"I am enjoying myself," I mumbled.
My heart was pounding rapidly in my chest and I knew he could hear it. He chuckled. It was a low rumble that vibrated through me.
"Are you now? I find that hard to believe. You always look so… tense." He reached his hand out towards me.
His fingers brushing against my cheek, sending tingles on my skin. I swallowed.
"Maybe I could help you relax," he whispered as his eyes fell to my lips.
“I’ve been wondering, with that skin, does it taste like caramel too?”
My breath caught in my throat. This was wrong. So wrong. He was an Alpha, and I was a wolf-less omega pretending to be something I wasn't. I bit my lip anxiously.
"Please, Amir," I whispered, pulling away from his touch.
"Don't."
He smirked. There was a hunger that rested deep in his gaze.
"Don't what, Gabriella? You can’t tell me you’re not interested. I've seen the way you look at me."
My face burned with shame. I hated this for myself. He was right. Despite his relentless teasing and bullying, I was drawn to him. How cliche is that? Being attracted to the “bad boy”. Crushing on my bully. It was embarrassing.
"I… I have to go," I stammered.
I gathered my books and fled the cafeteria.
As I ran, I could feel his gaze on my back, burning into me, branding me. I knew this wasn't over. Amir pegged me as a guy who was used to getting what he wanted and from the way he was looking at me just now, I was his new conquest.
It was overwhelming and I wasn’t so sure that I wanted his attention. He was hot and cold and only caused me confusion and anxiety. Not to mention Billie. She has made it very clear to any girl who showed interest that Amir was hers. If she knew of his interests in me, she’d surely kill me.
- Writer
