Chapter 5
Amber’s POV
I never expected the academy would invite Grayson and Piper to speak as honored alumni, no less.
They stood onstage, polished and radiant, like the perfect power couple handpicked!
ked by fate.
The host chuckled, teasing them with a wink, “You two look like the perfect pair–are you two mates, by any chance?”
My heart clenched
Instinctively, I looked up at Grayson
He didn’t answer right away
complete stranger.
Instead, his eyes flicked over to me–cold, distant, like I was a compl
I bit down the bitter taste rising in my throat and looked away.
Piper, of course, smiled sweetly. Her voice dripped honey.
“Do we look like mates? We’re just friends…”
She hadn’t even finished her sentence when Grayson slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer.
“Actually,” he said casually, “we’re expecting,”
A stunned beat. Then cheers exploded across the auditorium.
Behind me, the whispers started like a swarm of stinging wasps.
“I heard that omega chased Alpha Grayson for three whole years and she’s supposedly his destined mate, Clinging to him despite all his rejections. Pathetic
“Wasn’t there talk of them sealing their bond soon? Looks like that was all bull.”
“She’s here today, right? The only reason she even got into the academy was ‘cause her rich family made a donation. What kind of omega would get invited to speak otherwise?”
It felt like someone had slashed open my chest–blood pouring freely.
I spun around, glaring at the two women behind me.
“Why don’t you say it to my face? Loud and clear.
They paled but sneered anyway,
-We didn’t say any names. Guilty conscience much?”
Right then, Grayson and Piper walked down from the stage—and sat right next to me.
Piper reached out in fake concern, lightly grasping my hand.
“Amber, come on, they didn’t even say your name. Don’t be so sensitive.”
Grayson let out a mocking sort. “Psycho.”
With the two of them sitting there, those women suddenly grew bolder.
“Exactly. Delusional much?
“Seriously, what kind of omega picks fights with an Alpha?”
The host’s voice cut in just in time, announcing the abund speaker segment. He called my name,
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay composed. Just as I stood
Swish
Piper’s leg shot out.
Crash.
I stumbled hard and fell straight to the floor, palm–first–right onto a sliver tack embedded in the wood. Chapter S
Agony ripped through me.
Wolves and silver don’t mix–it burned through my nerves like wildfire.
My knees slammed down, my chin cracked against the ground, and my cheek stung like hell.
I reached up–it was bleeding
The entire hall went dead silent.
Then someone snickered.
“What, was that a show?”
A burst of laughter followed.
“Man, that’s a first. Gotta give her credit.”
I gritted my teeth, trying to stand, but every movement felt like tearing through raw flesh.
Grayson watched me with barely concealed disgust.
“Well? Get up. Or are you trying to humiliate us both?
Piper stepped in then, all fake sympathy and sugar.
“Amber, stop being dramatic. It’s just a fall. Know when to quit.‘
That was it. The dam inside me broke. I slapped her hand away, voice sharp as a blade.
“Piper. Why did
did you trip me just now?”
“Ah!” she gasped, throwing herself backward with a shriek
She hit her seat hard, clutching her stomach. “Amber! I was trying to help you up–did you just push me?! Are you trying to make me lose the baby?!” The audience gasped.
Someone muttered, “God, women are such a headache. If it weren’t for Grayson, I’d knock her out.”
“All this fuss over an Alpha. So tiresome.”
I actually laughed. I’d seen her leg clearly. I saw that smug smile tugging at her lips.
And now she was pretending to be the victim?
I’d had enough. I forced myself upright, trembling with pain, and raised my hand.
But before I could slap her-
Grayson stepped in front of her.
And slapped me first. Hard
Chapter 5
