Lycan's Rejected Slave

chapter-3

"Happy Birthday, Rose," Lexy said, enveloping me in a hug. She was the first and last person to extend birthday wishes every year. It was a recurring pattern.

"Thank you, Lexy," I replied, holding her tightly as tears welled up in my eyes. She rummaged in her backpack and pulled out a small gift box.

"Here, this is your birthday gift. It might be very useful. Open it," she said, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

With anticipation, I opened the box. Inside was a bottle containing a green potion, with a dizzy viper key hanging around its neck.

"It's a negative removing potion. If you pray to the dark lord and mix this into someone's food, all the negative thoughts they have about you will vanish completely. No one, not even your pack of witches, will be able to find out," Lexy explained. She hoped this potion would help erase the negativity surrounding my parents and make my pack members treat me better.

"I don't want to do this," I admitted honestly, hesitant about resorting to dark methods.

"That's okay. You can keep it with you. Someday, it might prove useful," Lexy said, understanding my reluctance. She then steered me towards our classroom, dragging me away from the conversation.

"Why do you endure all this? Can't you just leave that toxic pack and join ours? We would never treat anyone like this," Lexy suggested as we walked to our first class. I responded with a small smile, trying to dodge the question.

"Every time I ask that question, you just give me that evasive smile and walk away," Lexy said, frustration evident in her voice.

"Lexy, we've discussed this before," I said, attempting to reason with her.

"When will you realize that no one cares about you? Proving your parents' innocence doesn't matter to them. If they truly cared, they would have investigated the matter. No one bothered to look into the murder; they just slapped the 'murderer' label on your father and killed him right in front of you," Lexy said, her words cutting deep. The memory of that horrific day haunted me, the images replaying in my dreams. After my parents' death, when my pack started treating me like trash, I resolved to prove their innocence. I would not leave the pack without vindicating my parents, despite the torment they subjected me to.

"Do you honestly think they care? They killed a child's parents right before her eyes. Your so-called pack members are heartless. Even if you prove your parents' innocence, they won't change the way they treat you," Lexy argued, trying to make me see reason. Ever since we became friends and she learned about my parents, she had been pressuring me to join her pack. I knew her pack was better, but there were still individuals there who despised me, much like my current pack.

Entering the classroom, I noticed the bullies from the hallway glaring at me, their hostility fueled by Lexy's actions. As Lexy and I were late, only four chairs remained. One of the girls gestured for Lexy to sit beside her, given their pack association. The only vacant seat was next to the future Alpha, Alex. Every time, I ended up sitting alone in class while others enjoyed the company of their pack members and friends, leaving me feeling lonely and abandoned.

I approached Alex, intending to sit beside him. As I was about to place my bag on the chair, he shot me an angry glare that terrified me. His expression made it unmistakably clear that I was unwelcome. I hurriedly retreated to the last chair, my usual spot, once again left to sit alone.

Soon, math class commenced, and I immersed myself in my work, attempting to forget the incident. After the session, our math tutor inquired about the previous day's homework.

"Anyone who didn't complete the homework, please raise your hands," Mr. Thompson announced.

Several students, including me, hadn't finished the assignment. I hadn't had time to complete it due to the numerous tasks at the packing house. We were busy preparing for an upcoming Moonlit Masquerade Gala, and I was tasked with overseeing the arrangements. With the hectic preparations, finding time for my homework had been impossible.

I promptly raised my hand, and Mr. Thompson responded with a sarcastic smile.

"I'm not surprised to see your hand up, Miss Bernard. It seems to be a habit now," he mocked, and laughter erupted as everyone turned their heads toward me. Observing the laughter around me, I glanced at Lexy, who wore a sympathetic expression. When my gaze accidentally met Alex's, he remained fixed on the board, deliberately avoiding my eyes. His stern expression sent a chill down my spine, a terrifying sight that could make me tremble. He exuded an aura of cold detachment, devoid of sympathy.

"For once, can't you do your work on time, Miss Bernard?" Mr. Thompson mocked me while I stood frozen, his words hitting home. More often than not, I couldn't submit my work on time due to the overwhelming tasks assigned by the pack. "I'm sorry, Mr. Thompson. I will complete it by tomorrow."

"Complete it by tomorrow, or else I will reduce your assignment marks," he warned, not stopping with me but scolding everyone who hadn't finished the work. I despised Mr. Thompson, our math teacher. He incessantly scolded us and burdened us with heaps of homework. He never imparted any useful or interesting knowledge, merely making us copy mundane formulas and solve tedious problems. He was undoubtedly the worst teacher I'd ever encountered.

I was doodling on my paper, trying to drown out Mr. Thompson's irritating voice when I heard the principal's excited tone. He sounded proud, as if he had something important to share. Raising my head, I saw him entering the classroom with a new student.

The newcomer was the most handsome man I had ever seen, and he seemed acutely aware of it. His striking facial features, a chiseled jawline, well-defined cheekbones, and expressive eyes, immediately captured my attention. His eyes were a captivating mix of blue and green, with a hint of gold around the pupil, sparkling like jewels in his face.

His well-groomed appearance was evident, from his stylishly coiffed hair to his neatly trimmed facial hair. He exuded confidence and attractiveness, his toned physique and tall, imposing stature adding to his commanding presence. He resembled a Greek god among mortals, a natural masterpiece, a vision of perfection.

My mouth hung open, my eyes widened, and my heart raced. I felt an instant and irresistible attraction towards him, emotions I had never experienced before.

My mind warned me to stop staring, but my eyes and heart refused to comply. "You pervert, stop staring at him. It's wrong to eye a man who isn't your mate," my conscience scolded. I snapped out of my daydream, focusing on the principal's words.

"Class, I'm pleased to introduce a new member to our school. This is Xavier António, and he joins us with an impressive background," the principal said, his tone filled with pride. "He has excelled academically, earning top grades at his previous school. He has also actively participated in various extracurricular activities, including sports and community service. Xavier has won awards for his leadership skills and has represented his school in regional debates. We are fortunate to have him join our student body."

I understood why the principal is ass kissing; Xavier likely came from a wealthy family.

As the principal introduced him, many people in the room stared at Xavier with awe and admiration. I overheard some girls whispering about how attractive he was, and I couldn't disagree.

"Hi, my name is Xavier António. I’m from Roosevelt High School," he said flatly, lacking any expression or interest.

But when our eyes met, I found myself holding my breath. Quickly, I looked away, pretending to focus on something I was writing on my paper. Even though he continued with his introduction, I could still feel his gaze on me. It made me both nervous and excited, and I had no idea what his one glance could do to me.