Free Web NovelChapter 54: Rejecting you
WILLA
I closed in on the students gathered in front of the parking lot.
It was the first open area before the entrance of the large dormitory, filled with rows of expensive cars.
It was barely seven. I glanced at my watch. 6:30 AM. The sky was still dark and the air freezing.
"What is going on?" Elliott murmured.
We had just finished our punishment drills. My entire body ached, especially after yesterday’s intense training. All I wanted was to collapse into bed.
I never expected to see this many Valerius students outside in their pajamas, silently watching something. Or maybe someone who was at the middle of the circle.
"Did someone die again?" Elliott muttered under his breath.
I slowed my jogging pace, panting, and turned to face him. His eyes were narrowed worriedly at the crowd.
"I thought it was the norm here," I said, raising one brow. "It’s not like anyone actually does anything when a student dies."
Just like the last time.
Elliott’s eyes darted to mine. "You should know mental health issues affect werewolves the most. Unlike humans, who can sometimes be talked down when they’re suicidal, it’s harder with us. You have to reach an agreement with your wolf."
"Why?"
Elliott shrugged. "You just have to. It’s like you arguing with Eric right now..."
I glowered at him the moment his name came up.
"It’s just an illustration," he said quickly.
"I don’t appreciate it," I replied.
"Okay," Elliott nodded. "Imagine you’re mad at Kol..." He trailed off, watching my face for a reaction. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com
When I didn’t give him one, he continued. "So... you like him." His voice carried a bitter edge, but his expression remained neutral.
I scoffed but didn’t deny it.
It was weird to admit I liked him. Not just him, but any of the boys. Yes, I found them extremely attractive, but that didn’t mean I wanted to jump into bed with them or open my heart.
I had only known them for about a week. That was nowhere near enough time to fall in love.
"When you don’t agree with each other, it’s hard for you to be persuaded," Elliott continued. "Because both of you would want completely different things."
Make sense.
"The wolf inside of us is a really strong entity. It often defines our mental strength," he added.
Was Nyra strong? I wondered. I didn’t feel particularly strong mentally, so I couldn’t really tell. And she was always absent, barely helping me with anything.
As we got closer to the crowd, I didn’t need to ask who they were watching. I already felt it.
The students parted before I could turn away. My eyes locked on Eric’s back.
He had pebbles in his hands, with more scattered beside his blue sneakers. He was hurling them at our window.
My room was on the third floor of the five storey building. I looked up at the glass and let out a deep breath. It was still intact. Maybe he was missing on purpose. Still, it was insane.
Verah pushed her head out. "Cut it out!" she yelled. "I’m trying to fucking sleep!"
But Eric didn’t stop. He threw another pebble. Then another. I decided to intervene.
"Do you intend to get me punished for this?" I murmured.
Eric froze. Slowly, he lowered his hand and turned to face me. His eyes slid down my body, then back up.
"Elyse," he started, regret flashing across his face.
He took a step forward, then paused, glancing behind me at Elliott. His jaw clenched.
"I didn’t say you could come here," I said, my voice edged with annoyance.
Eric didn’t look at me. Of course — he was too busy staring at Elliott. I could practically see the jealous wheels turning in his head, which in fact wasn’t necessary.
"We were serving our punishment," I blurted before I could stop myself. "Don’t misunderstand it."
I didn’t know why I was even explaining myself. Eric visibly relaxed. His eyes finally moved back to my face.
"We need to talk," he grumbled.
"No," I stated flatly.
Eric let out an irritated sigh. "I’m sorry for what I said earlier. I didn’t mean it. I already apologize. What else do you want me to do?!"
"Too late," I said. And for the record, I never even asked him to apologize. Yet, he was acting like I was the one who offended him.
I inhaled and exhaled slowly, nudging the fury back in. Then I offered a small polite smile in Elliott’s direction. "I guess I’ll see you later."
"Sure," Elliott nodded.
"Why are you seeing him?!" Eric snapped.
I continued toward the entrance, barely paying him any attention.
"Did you go to a secret location to fuck him?!" he growled. freewebnσvel.cøm
I flushed, stopping dead in my tracks. After making me feel so cheap yesterday, he was doing it again — right in front of everyone.
My eyes caught some students trying (and failing) to hold back their laughter.
Eric shoved his fingers through his hair, yanking hard. "I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that."
I scoffed, staring at him seriously. He looked genuinely frustrated. But that didn’t mean he had the right to say shit and take it back whenever he desired.
"Can we talk?" he tried again.
"No," I said coldly, without hesitation. "And yes, I slept with Elliott. We had a lot of fun while observing our punishment with the sentinel supervising us. You could say it was a threesome. Too bad, it’s not with you."
I meant it as pure sarcasm. Anyone with working ears could hear the mockery in my voice. But Eric couldn’t.
"That bastard!" he snarled. "I am really going to kill him!"
Elliott was still standing where I had left him. I stepped closer and positioned myself in front of him before Eric could reach him, shielding him with my body.
It was foolish. Eric could easily shove me aside if he wanted. He hadn’t done it yesterday when I interrupted their fight — probably because of Professor Marcus. But nothing was stopping him now.
Eric’s hands fisted at his sides. His eyes burned with anger as he glared past me at Elliott.
I didn’t look away.
"Elliott did nothing wrong to you," I said. "I did."
Eric snarled but held his ground.
"I’m the one telling you to back off. Stay the fuck away from me. I’m the one rejecting you."
"Rejecting me?" Eric asked, his eyes widening in shock.
I knew how mate bond rejection worked, but I wasn’t sure if it even counted in my case. Our bond hadn’t been officially recognized by the council yet.
The shock in his eyes quickly twisted into rage. "Are you rejecting me, Elyse?"
I nodded.
The crowd gasped.
Perfect. More gossip for the day.
Eric growled, low and dangerous. Veins bulged on his forehead and neck, nearly popping. His teeth bared, canines lengthening outward. His eyes flashed golden. He stalked forward.
I sucked in a deep breath, bracing myself as he lifted his hand.
My eyes squeezed shut, heart racing wildly.
He clutched my wrist instead. I flinched hard at his touch.
"What the hell, Elyse?" he hissed.
I shivered, resisting his pull.
"Open your damned eyes!" he ordered.
I obeyed, lifting my gaze to meet his. Eric shook his head, looking torn between fury and something else.
"You think I am going to hit you?" He asked in astonishment.
I didn’t think so. But I knew how hot-headed people acted. My mother. My father. Even Rachel.
"Leave me alone, please," I whispered, swallowing past the thick lump in my throat.
Eric’s hand dropped from mine. He stared at me one last time, hurt flashing through those beautiful crimson eyes.
Then he turned and walked away without another word.
My shoulders sagged in relief. Yet, my chest tightened in pain as I watched him leave.
The students were still gathered, watching. Their eyes were filled with open disdain and disgust. Pure hate they didn’t even try to hide.
I clasped my trembling fingers and forced a wide smile onto my face, pretending none of it affected me.
"Show’s over," Elliott’s voice cut through the silence. "Return to your rooms."
The crowd groaned in disappointment but slowly began to disperse. Once the last person slipped inside, I started walking toward the entrance.
"Wait," Elliott said.
I stopped but didn’t turn to look at him. I was too embarrassed.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
"Do you care?" My voice came out sharper than I intended. I winced, clearing my throat.
Elliott walked around me and stopped in front. He gripped my shoulders gently. My eyes flickered up to his involuntarily.
"Of course I care about you," he said.
"We are broken up," I reminded him.
Elliott’s brows furrowed. "You think I only care because we were in a relationship?"
Why else would he care?
"I’m offended you still don’t understand my feelings for you," he said.
Maybe. After all, I wasn’t really Elyse.
"I’m exhausted," I muttered.
"Do you want me to beat him up?" Elliott asked.
"Absolutely not." I wasn’t interested in seeing anyone else fighting over me or for me. Not anymore.
"Then what do you want me to do?" he pressed.
"Nothing," I replied. "I really am exhausted."
Elliott stared at me for a few seconds, clearly thinking over my words. "Fine. We still have four hours until class starts. You should rest."
I nodded and started walking away. But I doubted I would get any sleep.
