Lyra's POV
The following week, I returned to school, and the moment I stepped into the halls, the stares and whispers began. My ears picked up every word, no matter how much I tried to ignore them.
"How did she survive that fall?" someone whispered behind me, their tone dripping with disbelief.
"She's supposed to be weak—no wolf, no strength. It doesn't make sense," another voice added, like they were piecing together a puzzle that wasn't theirs to solve.
"Maybe someone saved her," a third said, their doubt practically tangible.
"Or maybe she's hiding something," someone else said, louder than the rest, as if they wanted me to hear.
I kept my head down, refusing to give them the satisfaction of seeing me react, but their words clung to me like a shadow. Every step I took felt heavier, every glance sent my way sharper. It didn't matter that no one said it to my face, the murmurs were loud enough to find their way to me, settling in the back of my mind like a storm waiting to break.
My phone buzzed in my bag. I slipped it out quietly, glancing around to make sure no one was paying attention, and opened the message. It was from Ava.
"Hey, girlll. Won't be in class today. Ignore everyone's yapping asses and, better still, note their names down. I'll deal with them when I get back. Love ya!"
A small laugh escaped my lips before I could stop it. Ava and her dramatics. Even when she wasn't here, she still found a way to have my back.
The classroom was buzzing with chatter when I walked in, whispers still trailing me like an annoying fly. I made my way to my desk, dropped my bag, and let out a sigh. Ignoring the stares, I laid my head on the cool surface of my desk hoping for even a moment of peace.
But the murmurs didn't stop.
"How did she survive that fall?"
"Do you think she's hiding something?"
"Maybe she's cursed."
I groaned softly, buryingdeeper my face into my arms. Seriously, could they find a new topic?
Then it happened. The whispers ceased—like a running tap suddenly turned off. The entire room stilled.
I frowned, lifting my head. The air in the room felt different, charged. And there he was. Kael. Strutting into the classroom like he owned it. Well, technically, he did. He owned the school, the packhouse, the land it stood on, and probably the sky above it if he could claim that too.
His gaze scanned the room lazily before landing on me. He had no business being here, yet here he was, his mere presence commanding everyone's attention.
I invaded his head without hesitation. "What are you doing here?"
He glanced my way, a sly smile playing on his lips. "My wolf dragged me here," he replied casually, as if that explained anything. "Not that I'm complaining. Can't stay away too long, can I?"
Heat rushed to my cheeks, but before I could respond, he shut me out, his smirk growing wider. I glared at him, but he didn't seem bothered in the least.
"Why is the Alpha in our classroom?" a girl finally asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Kael turned his attention to her, his expression unreadable.
"I've decided to evaluate how my pack members are being taught. I'll be spending the day here, grading the teachers."
A chorus of gasps and whispers erupted.
"Yes, Alpha!" one girl giggled, her eyes sparkling like he'd just handed her the moon.
"No way," someone else muttered in disbelief.
I had to bite my lip to stifle a laugh. Possessive much?
Kael strolled to an empty desk—directly behind mine, of course—and settled in like he had all the time in the world.
"You're ridiculous," I muttered under my breath.
"I heard that," he whispered back, leaning forward just enough for his words to brush against my ear.
The teacher walked in then, his eyes widening when he noticed Kael.
"Alpha Kael! W-What brings you here?"
Kael waved a dismissive hand.
"Carry on. Pretend I'm not here."
Oh, sure. Like that was possible.
The class began, but it was doomed from the start. Kael didn't even try to be subtle about his antics. The teacher, visibly nervous, decided to stick to the safe route—math problems.
"Alright, class," the teacher began, his voice shaky. "What's the solution to this equation: 2x + 5 = 15? Solve for x."
Before anyone could even raise their hand, Kael's voice cut through the silence like a blade.
"X equals five," he said, leaning back in his chair with the confidence of someone who didn't just own the answer but the very numbers themselves.
The teacher blinked, startled. "Y-Yes, Alpha, that's correct."
Kael didn't stop there. "Though, to be fair, that's basic algebra. You might want to consider challenging your students with something more... stimulating."
The teacher stammered, "O-Of course, Alpha. I'll make adjustments."
I turned around to glare at him.
"Really? Did you have to?"
Kael smirked, leaning forward just enough to whisper, "Would you prefer I let them stumble through it? That's no way to represent my pack."
I rolled my eyes, muttering under my breath, "Grading the teachers or showing off?"
"I heard that," he murmured, his voice teasing. "And the answer to that is both." He finished saying and winked.
The teacher hesitated before nervously continuing, clearly rattled. Meanwhile, the entire class alternated between gawking at Kael and exchanging frustrated glances.
Kael, of course, looked entirely too pleased with himself.