Jolyn's POV
I pressed my lips together as my heart splintered in my chest, Ryder's rejection resurfacing in my mind.
The last time I loved and trusted a man, my heart got broken.
I scoffed mentally because broken was an understatement for what he did to me. Ryder ripped my heart from my chest without batting an eyelid.
Maybe Luscious was sincere about his feelings, but I just couldn't bring myself to trust any man who wasn't my father.
I watched as Luscious's throat rose and fell as he stared deep into my eyes.
If he was waiting for an answer, he was going to be disappointed.
The air was thick with silence, and the tension was palpable as I took a step backward.
Luscious's eyes twitched as he tried to reach me, his hands midway in the air. But I turned on my heels and ran.
There was no way I could love again, so what was the point? A pang of pain thudded in my chest, matching the rhythm of the banging in my head.
The tears stuck deep in my eyes, trying to force their way out, but I pushed them aside.
The moment I swung the door open with a loud bang, Bailey jolted in shock, clamping her hand over her chest. Her eyes were filled with dread as she watched me curl up on my bed like a ball.
I startled her with my sudden outburst, but I was not in the mood to speak to anyone.
I pressed my lips together and clamped my eyes shut, not wanting to think about anything, but my mind betrayed me.
The weight of the bed pressed at my side, and Bailey's hand gently caressed my back. In that instant, I couldn't hold back the tears.
"It's okay, Jolyn. You can let the tears out," she muttered softly.
My shoulders trembled as a sob cracked from my lips, and I gasped for air.
"It's okay," she muttered again, her voice gentle as I felt her chin resting on my shoulder while she caressed my back.
Her presence reminded me so much of my mom, and suddenly, I became homesick. Maybe coming here was a bad idea after all.
I should have just stayed home and been the little spoiled princess with doting parents who would do anything for me.
The next morning, I woke up to the sound of my rumbling stomach.
I clicked my tongue as I curled onto my side. My eyes softened when I saw Bailey beside me.
A smile widened across my face as I stared at her. I was really lucky to have a friend like her.
She had stayed by my side throughout the night as I cried like a baby.
A yawn escaped my lips as I stretched my limbs. My legs found their way to the coldness of the floor as I strode over to the mirror.
I knew I looked like a mess, but I decided to give myself the benefit of the doubt. Unfortunately, I was looking like a garbage can.
The puffy eyes weren't helping my appearance at all.
I leaned towards the mirror and forced a smile. It was time to stop wasting tears on things that wouldn't benefit me or my kingdom.
I was the Lycan princess, and I came from a prestigious family. Even if my parents weren't putting pressure on me, I knew I had responsibilities.
The only way to fulfill my role properly was to get stronger.
I was going to show Ryder and Luscious that I was a force not to be toyed with.
My grip on the mirror table tightened, and I didn't even notice when my claws elongated, leaving marks on the table.
"Whoa, why do you look like you want to murder someone?" Bailey flicked her lashes as she tilted her head to the side.
A smile formed on my face, and I revealed my perfectly white teeth.
"Okay, Jolyn, you're scaring me." Bailey knitted her brows together as she narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
"Besides, you haven't told me what happened yesterday," she said, dragging herself into a seated position.
I clicked my tongue and let out a deep sigh as I dropped back onto the bed.
"It's all complicated, but I promise to explain everything on our way to class," I replied, my eyes searching hers.
Even though they weren't related, her eyes reminded me of Luscious. I guess when you stay with someone long enough, you start adapting to each other's features.
Not wanting to think about him, I peeled my eyes away from hers.
Bailey moved closer to me, raising her brows.
"Did something happen between you and Luscious? Because I swear to the moon goddess, I will end him," she frowned.
Memories of his abrupt love confession flooded my mind. Running my hands over my hair, I pushed those thoughts aside.
"He didn't say anything. He was just being…" The words trailed off as I stared into space, but I snapped back quickly.
"He was just being Luscious."
Bailey was about to say something when we heard the ringing of the bell echoing through the room.
Werewolves had heightened senses, so I could hear the sound clanging against my ears.
Pressing the space between my brows, I groaned.
"I hate that sound."
"Come on, it's time for class," Bailey said, pushing away the covers from her body.
The next thing I knew, Bailey and I were walking through the academy's hallway.
As it turned out, the dean was holding an assembly in the major hall.
"Hurry up," Bailey gritted her teeth as she clasped her hand over my wrist, pulling me faster as we raced through the hall.
We wouldn't be in this position if she hadn't tried to fix her eyeliner for the tenth time.
When we got to the hall, the doors were closed. We paused to catch our breath before Bailey slowly pushed the door open.
We ducked our heads inside, trying to scan the area for a way to find seats without being caught because we were super late.
"Princess!" a stoic and hard as a rock voice boomed across the lecture room.
My body jolted in shock, and Bailey and I stumbled back. If she wasn't by my side, I was sure I would have lost my footing and crashed to the floor.
I tried to force a smile when my eyes met the aging ones of the dean of our school, Mrs. Karps.