Chapter 0461

What a pompous jerk! If he thinks his size gives him the right to intimidate me, he’s in for a rude awakening. Do I regret threatening to make him regret his existence? Not one bit. Did I accidentally notice the impressive bulge in his pants? Absolutely. And damn—that’s all I can say. Just… damn.

At lunch, I find Seraphina, and we ditch the dining hall to escape the two relentless males who’ve decided we’re their newest obsession. We settle on the bleachers overlooking the track field, and she vents about Alistair’s behavior—mimicking Gregory’s tactics by invading her personal space, cornering her after class, and bombarding her with invitations. It’s infuriating. I tell her about Gregory’s antics in Chemistry and Literature.

"You think they’ve made some kind of bet?" she asks, staring pensively at the empty track.

"What do you mean?"

She turns to me, her expression grim. "We’re the last two holdouts in the pack. Do you think this is just a game to them? A race to see who can break us first?"

"That’s a disgusting thought, Sera." But the more I consider it, the more it makes sense. Competition fuels Alphas—and apparently Guardians too. What if this is all just some twisted challenge between them?

Now I’m furious all over again.

"Do you really believe they’d do that?" she whispers, her gentle nature making her voice soft.

I squeeze her hand. Seraphina is too kind for this world. It’s why she dropped out of warrior training—she hates causing pain, even when necessary. She’d make an incredible Luna, with her nurturing heart and unwavering loyalty. Me? I have no qualms about making someone regret their choices—like grabbing Gregory where it hurts. That’s why I’m better suited for the battlefield than the Luna’s throne.

At least I get to choose my path. Seraphina’s fate is tied to an Alpha, though she’s pouring everything into her medical studies—a field where she’ll excel.

"I honestly don’t know," I admit.

After lunch, we head to our next classes. I have Human History with Gregory, though I doubt he realizes it after our Literature showdown. Maybe I can slip in unnoticed and block him from sitting near me.

History is my least favorite subject. Learning human wars feels pointless when, in our world, battles are constant. Packs fight for territory, power, and dominance. Casualties are expected. That’s why strong leadership matters—our Alpha and Guardian give us an edge. Even if another pack challenges us, they won’t win.

When I arrive, Gregory isn’t there yet. I take my usual seat by the window, leaving only two spots he could invade—beside me or behind me. I’m strategizing how to keep him away when he drops into the seat next to me.

"That seat’s taken," I say flatly.

"We don’t have assigned seating, Evelyn."

"Don’t you prefer the back? I’ve seen you napping there before."

His smirk is infuriating. "So you have been watching me."

"Still fishing for validation? Don’t you have enough admirers stroking your ego—and other things?"

He flinches. Good.

"You’ve got me all wrong," he insists.

I turn, locking eyes with him. "Do I?"

His mouth opens, then shuts. No clever comeback.

I raise a brow and face forward. "Didn’t think so."

The teacher announces a movie day. The class cheers; I groan. The lights dim, and Gregory subtly scoots closer.

"I’m not fishing for compliments," he murmurs.

"Mm-hmm."

"You really don’t understand me."

I stay silent, letting him squirm.

"I just want to know you," he says finally.

"Really?"

"Is that so hard to believe?"

I turn. "Why?"

He frowns. "Why what?"

"Why the sudden interest?"

He hesitates. Has no one ever called him out before? Probably not.

Seraphina’s theory rushes back. This has to be a competition.

"After all these years, you just woke up and decided we should be friends?" I press.

"I—well—yes."

Pathetic. I scribble on a scrap of paper.

When class ends, I shove it into his hand and walk away without a glance.