CHAPTER002
1404 Words
ELENA'S POINT OF VIEW
I couldn’t believe it. The man who gave me my first kiss turned out to be my professor.
Suddenly, the arena felt way too small.
Professor Nikos possessed devastating beauty with his tall stature and broad shoulders paired with a warrior-like physique. His stormy gray eyes radiated quiet intensity while his dark, wavy hair curled softly at the ends into a messy but flawless appearance. My eyes followed his physique downward to observe his eight-pack abs and powerful biceps while noticing the veins running along his arms. A bead of sweat rolled from his temple down his cheek before another dropped across his chest and vanished under his waistband.
My cheeks blazed with heat as he spun around to face me while maintaining eye contact. His stare was sharp and unreadable.
“May I assist you with something?” His voice flowed from a deep and smooth register and conveyed clear authority.
I concentrated hard while extending my paper schedule outward. “I just transferred to this class. My name’s Elena.”
He quickly looked at the document that had been handed to him, and then we fell into a prolonged silence. His eyes met mine again without showing any sign of recognition or warmth.
He indicated I should go with the others before he turned away.
My stomach twisted. Beyond him, I saw that the other students appeared to spar, but they didn't exist in human form. All of them had undergone transformations.
I swallowed hard. “Actually… I can’t shift.”
Nikos froze mid-step. For an instant, I believed I could hear the softest growl emanating from his chest.
He spun back toward me, showing no emotion, yet his eyes took on a darker shade. “What?”
“I haven’t… gotten my wolf yet.”
My nervous habit of biting my lower lip caught his attention as he glanced at my mouth. His facial expression stayed the same, but his way of looking at me gave me a spine-tingling sensation.
Why do you attend shifting and combat classes if you don’t have the ability to shift?
I lifted my chin. “I’m good at combat. The absence of a wolf does not define my ability. I’ve been training my whole life. Let me show you.”
His jaw tightened. “I can’t waste my time babysitting someone.” He let out a sharp breath before quickly turning away. I don’t have someone available to partner with you. Each student at this school develops skills through their wolf transformations.
“I’ll spar with her.”
From behind, someone called out and I turned around to see a girl moving toward me. Her dark hair was short and her large brown eyes appeared even bigger because of the thick lashes that surrounded them. Her kind smile remained unaffected by the palpable tension that filled the air.
She spoke up and directed her gaze toward Nikos, saying, “I don’t mind.”
He stared at her momentarily before releasing a quick breath. “Fine.”
Without another word, he walked away.
“I’m Thalia,” she said, extending a hand. “You’re Elena, right?”
I shook her hand, returning her smile. “Yeah.”
She grinned as she said, “I know who you are.” “I’ve heard a lot about you. Recent reports indicate that you hold the title of top fighter at Limassol Shifter Academy. Nikos would have been foolish to reject you.
I chuckled. News traveled fast. My reputation in Kallithea included my fighting ability and intelligence, but this place was different from Kallithea.
I appreciated her words, though. “Thanks, Thalia.”
She opened her mouth to say something more when a scoff interrupted her words.
“Well, look who it is.”
As Marina approached with crossed arms and a sneer forming on her lips, I turned toward her.
She reflected aloud that this was indeed the little wannabe who showed up again. "Want to join the big dogs for some playtime?"
I arched a brow. Wannabe? Marina's words were full of irony since she herself had been caught kissing my boyfriend.
Marina’s voice carried a venomous edge when she looked at Nikos watching from across the arena and continued speaking. You have a strong admiration for Professor Nikos, which explains why you decided to transfer to his class.
I leveled her with a blank stare. “I’m here to train. Just like everyone else.”
She laughed. “Sure you are. You’re only working on the techniques involving kissing.
Thalia proclaimed with confidence that she was indeed an effective combatant.
Marina rolled her eyes. “That’s rich coming from an Omega.”
Thalia flinched.
Marina gave a smirk while her voice turned into a cruel whisper. People like you have no place at this institution.
Thalia’s face fell, her shoulders curling inward.
“Marina, why would you bother speaking to her?” A new girl showed up while flipping her blonde hair.
I watched Thalia’s face turn red as she looked down after they both laughed.
“Omegas are trash,” Marina said airily. The most terrible thing to have is someone who lacks the ability to shift. It’s no surprise that Andreas preferred my lips over yours.
I moved to put myself between Thalia and their sight.
How do you determine what Omegas can accomplish? My voice remained calm and even. The way Thalia fought during the fight made her look incredible. If I'm mistaken, please correct me because the purpose of being here is to gain knowledge. Instead of focusing on tearing each other down, let's concentrate on learning here. I locked eyes with Marina. “And as for Andreas? If he lets someone like you get to him, then he belongs to you.
Marina’s smug expression faltered. Before she had time to form a reply, I seized Thalia’s wrist and pulled her from their presence.
When we moved past them, I spotted Nikos for a brief moment. He stood with his arms crossed while his expression remained mysterious, yet his lips seemed to show a faint smile.
Once we reached a safe distance, Thalia whispered to me, “Thank you for standing up for me.” However, I have grown accustomed to it. Omegas aren’t exactly… liked here.”
I frowned. “Why?”
She hesitated. “Because we’re considered weaker.”
“That’s ridiculous.” I shook my head. I know several powerful fighters who happen to be Omegas. Your abilities match those of any other person in this place. Don’t let them convince you otherwise.”
Thalia beamed at me.
Some people around here fail to acknowledge you as the daughter of Alpha Christos. Maybe it’s time to remind them.”
I grinned. That sounded like a perfect idea.
We faced each other, and a fight erupted soon after.
Thalia was fast, but I was faster. I easily avoided her attacks while moving through her defenses and responded with precise and fluid movements. The silent gaze of the crowd and the stillness of the arena filled me as students converged around me.
Then, I went for the dramatic.
Thalia performed a front flip with her legs extended. Thalia barely dodged, her footing slipping. From the weapons rack, I selected a spear and demonstrated my twisting expertise with it. Thalia’s eyes remained fixed on the spear as she attempted to predict what I would do next.
She expected a strike to her head.
I went for her feet instead.
She tripped, landing flat on her back. Quickly, I positioned myself over her body while my foot pressed down softly on her chest as I aimed the spear at her throat.
Silence. Then—
Applause.
Thalia gaped up at me. After helping her to her feet, I stepped back while the students broke into cheers.
Everyone… except Marina.
I turned, searching for Nikos’ reaction. Nikos stood watching me with his arms crossed and an expressionless face.
A piercing beeping sound interrupted the moment before I could reach him.
Dozens of phones buzzed at once.
I scowled while I looked over at Thalia, who was checking her phone. A second later, her face paled. She covered her mouth, eyes wide.
“What’s wrong?”
She turned the screen toward me.
My breath caught in my throat.
A picture.
Of me.
Kissing Professor Nikos.
My heart plummeted.
Who took this picture?
- Writer
