Cynthia Dion: "I’m so disappointed in you. This is not how I remember you. I keep hearing things about you these days," the principal appeared shocked, as if he had ever praised me before. He was likely only saying this to make me feel guilty. "We weren't doing anything ---," I attempted to explain, but Jack had different plans. His interruption silenced me. "We will not disappoint you again," he stated, sounding sincere, as though we had actually done something. The principal seemed disgusted, taking it as a confession. "But we didn’t do anything. He had something of mine and I wanted it bac---," I noticed Hila casting judgmental glances my way, making it difficult for me to speak up. I should have been given the chance to speak, but she chose to believe Jack, likely because it was the kind of gossip she enjoyed spreading about rogues. "There is no need to lie anymore. He has admitted his mistake. You should do the same," Hila said, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose and rolling her eyes. "I'm not afraid of admitting my mistakes, but I didn't do anything this time." I refused to allow them to deceive me. It was all Jack’s fault, and there he stood, appearing as if he was the most sincere and obedient person in the world. He hadn't looked up the entire time, maintaining an apologetic demeanor. "That’s enough!" Hila held up her palm, silencing me. "Jack! Go back to your classroom and try to avoid girls who can jeopardize your reputation. Remember, you want to be a part of a pack, and to achieve that, you need to act wisely and give your best." Hila took control, while the principal seemed to just be observing. The way she implied that I was the one seducing Jack infuriated me, but I was powerless to change the situation. "And as for you, 16 laps around the school’s backyard won't be too challenging for your newly awakened Wolf," she said with a weary expression, dismissing me with a wave of her hand. She didn't clarify why I was being punished while he was let off the hook. I didn't linger but left the office to begin the laps around the school's backyard as she had instructed. I was disheartened that I couldn't retrieve the money for Flora. I ran and panted, nearly breaking down in tears when I spotted Atticus walking in my direction. If only he hadn't intervened and dragged us to the office, I wouldn't be enduring this now. And his nerve in showing up here. "Oh please! Not him," I muttered to myself, hoping he would just walk past me. Unfortunately, he had come to talk to me. "What is wrong with you? Why do you keep making my life miserable?" His voice was loud and dripping with anger as he directed those words at me. It should have been me asking him that question, but he was the alpha, incredibly privileged. He had a way of making everything about himself."And now, thanks to you, I have to stand here and count your ridiculous laps." He placed his hands on his hips and squinted his striking eyes at me. Oh, so he considered this punishment. He should switch places with me and experience what real punishment feels like. And by that, I meant running laps without the assistance of a wolf. Just when I intended to move past him and resume the laps, he cut me off. "And why did you even choose the school’s grounds for all that stuff? Isn't your neighborhood big enough for such activities?" He stepped forward so suddenly that I almost bumped into his chest. "I wasn’t doing anything with him. He had my sister’s fees, and I wanted it back because she needs to pay, or she won't be able to continue her studies," I stammered, my fists clenching. I observed him taking in every gesture I made before he let out a sarcastic scoff. "Really? And why did he have her money? I’m guessing you gave it to him," the mocking tone he employed was belittling, making it almost tempting to avoid further confrontation. However, I was trying to maintain an appearance of resilience, as there were more pressing matters to address than succumbing to his words. "He blackmailed me with the video he made of the evening when you rej---ected me," I stumbled over my words, looking away awkwardly and rubbing my elbow. The memory of that evening was still painful. Furthermore, I hadn’t heard from Thia since our encounter on the forbidden block. Everything had escalated after that rejection. Even my wolf hadn't stirred, which only added to my troubles. "What about it? Everybody knows that happened," he shrugged, clearly indifferent. "My father doesn’t know. He doesn’t want me to find a mate," I revealed, realizing that my explanation seemed feeble compared to the life full of luxury and comfort of the attractive boy in front of me. I was quite certain he was passing judgment on me. Having grown up in a different kind of household, he probably couldn't fathom my situation. "Oh, come on! as if I don’t know how open-minded your household is. Nobody really cares who comes and goes from your place; it’s like a fre---," he started to say, halting himself just before he used profanity. I gasped at his words, feeling deeply offended, and ensured my displeasure was evident on my face. It was clear he didn't care about my reaction. "Now get back to running," he ordered, seemingly unconcerned about the impact his words had on me. I was certain he had overheard something, but he was unwilling to acknowledge it. Taking a step back from him, I started running, feeling as though my legs were about to give out. The physical strain was insignificant compared to the emotional pain he had inflicted. After completing only three laps, I was already out of breath. "Don't stop!" he shouted from his spot under a tree, enjoying the shade while the sun seared my skin.