Bella's POV (continued):
In front of me, Noah was a storm. He'd pinned Arron—Mia's crush—to the ground and was raining blows down on him. Arron's face was already a mask of blood and swelling; unconscious, he barely moved, but Noah didn't stop. Professors and students yanked and pulled, trying to drag Noah off, but he kept punching until Mia screamed his name.
At the sound of her voice he froze and looked up. Mia stood there, face wet with tears. The color drained from Noah's face; the fury in his eyes collapsed into guilt. He rose and stepped toward her, hands reaching to comfort, only to be slapped so hard the slap echoed in my chest.
From down the corridor I watched, chest tight. My body trembled at the gore and the violence. Someone's hand covered my eyes—big, gloved fingers—i knew it was Knox. he pulled me away.
Noah's POV:
My face snapped to the side when Mia's slap cut through the crowd. For a second I just stood there, shocked—then guilt crashed in. Professors barked at students to move back, voices blending into a blur. I saw Bella across the corridor—wide-eyed, shaking—and then a hand covered her face. Knox stood there, cool as ever, smirking as he dragged her away. I wanted to run to her, but Mia needed me.
"Mia, it's not what you think," I started, but the words tasted hollow. Anger and shame tangled in my chest, and nothing that came out was any good.
"It's not what I think? You nearly killed him, Noah! You know I love him! Why would you do this to me?" Her voice cracked like glass.
Her words hit me like a blow. You know I love him. Fire flared up, hot and blinding.
Flashback:
I'd been standing just outside the classroom, watching through the half-open door. Arron was talking to Samantha in a low, easy tone.
"Trust me, everything's under control. Once we get together, everything will be perfect,"
Arron said, smiling like he owned the world. Samantha laughed, cruel and bright.
"I can't believe she's so dumb." She rolled her eyes, and the sound set my nerves on a wire.
Arron stepped closer to leave, and his voice dropped into something nastier.
"She's an easy catch. Even her deer thorns are worth it." He sauntered for the door—then froze.
The look on his face when he saw me was brief. It didn't matter. Alpha instinct consumed me. Rage replaced thought. I grabbed him, slammed his neck into the wall again and again. Students crowded around us; the world narrowed to the sound of my fists, the taste of hot, deafening fury. I pinned him down and let my anger do what it wanted. I wanted to break him—wanted him gone. Colors leeched out of the world until the only thing left was the sound of Mia's voice cutting through the madness.
Back to reality:
I look at Mia; her expression is something I've never seen before—raw, broken. My hands go soft as I cup her cheeks.
"Mia, he doesn't deserve your tears,"
I whisper, but she pushes my hands away.
"He's playing with your feelings. He doesn't harbor anything for you."
The words land harder than I expected. I want to pull her into my arms, to kiss her, to take every ounce of pain from her, but I don't. Instead, guilt curls through me like ice.
"Liar! You're lying to me!"
she chokes out, tears streaming harder. Her chocolate scent twists sour—distress. The bell rings, and the corridor floods with students.
I guide her into the empty men's changing room and close the door behind us. I lower her to the bench and drape a towel over her head so she can cry without feeling watched. My back leans against the locker across from hers. There were blood stains on her shirt must be when I held her waist; I glance down at my knuckles—raw, bloodied. He deserved every punch. That bastard.
The room is quiet except for Mia's soft sobs.
"Darling, I'm an alpha. I know what other alphas think. Open your eyes." My voice is rough with something I can't hide.
She lifts her head; the towel slips away. Her eyes glitter with unshed tears. I step off the wall and move toward her.
"If you're doing all this because you are jealous of Arron, just stop."
That stung. My hand moves toward her chin, then falls back to my side. Fine—if she believes that, she can suffer through it. I'll let her bear the pain.
"If he abandons you, don't come crying to me," I say, voice low and dangerous. "He won't be on this earth the next day. I will kill him—you hear me, Mia. I will slit his throat."
The threat grates out through clenched teeth. She flinches.
"Don't you dare, Noah."
She pushes to her feet and walks away. Her silhouette disappears down the hall. A group of guys enters, giving confused glances as she leaves.
One man nearly vomits as he steps in—that's when I realize the scent clinging to me is potent, intoxicating pheromones. I run a hand through my hair, frustrated. I step out and call a hurried apology over my shoulder.
Jack's POV:
Same old office rhythm — me at the desk, fielding calls, trying to keep the gears turning. Ever since Knox killed that boy, the place feels off. Knox's been absent, quiet and oddly pleased lately, like he's feeding on something dark. The phone snaps me out of it; I groan and pick up.
"Nightwroth speaking," I say, keeping my voice tight and businesslike.
A cold, furious voice answers. "I heard you killed my son." Gambino. The voice chills the room.
"Ah." I roll my shoulders. "Yes, sir."
"Why?" His impatience is a blade.
I weigh the options. Tell him Knox did it and watch the room explode? Admit I helped and sign my own death warrant? I choose my words carefully.
" he crossed the line"
There's a long, slow pause. Then Gambino exhales. He wouldn't dare complain. One word and he is served to the Grim Reaper before the Grim gets his name on the list.