Chapter 14
The next morning, I woke up feeling like I’d stepped out of a dream.
But the tingle on my lips said it was all real.
Ian Dawson had kissed me.
And not just any kiss—it felt like a storm. Like something inside both of us had cracked open.
I stared at the ceiling for a while, trying to piece myself back together. What now? What did this mean? Was I really… his?
I got ready slowly, still dazed, and headed to the university. Abigail was already waiting by the gate, arms folded, eyebrows raised.
“You!” she hissed, grabbing my arm and dragging me to the side. “Do you want to tell me why the whole damn school is talking about you and Ian Dawson?”
My stomach dropped. “What?!”
“Oh yeah,” she said, eyes wide. “Rumor has it the big bad Alpha-to-be kissed a nerdy little omega outside her house last night. Sound familiar?”
I groaned. “How does everyone even know?”
“Ian Dawson doesn’t do subtle,” she said. “And you’re the talk of the campus now.”
People were staring. Whispers followed me wherever I walked.
Some girls glared.
Some looked at me like I’d stolen their prize.
Abigail walked beside me protectively, chin high. “Don’t let them get to you. They’re just jealous.”
“I didn’t ask for any of this,” I whispered.
“You didn’t have to. Fate did.”
But not everyone believed in fate.
After classes, I headed to the locker hallway. I just wanted to grab my notes and leave—but three girls were waiting for me.
Sasha, one of the top-ranked betas, stepped forward with her usual fake smile. “Ava, right?”
I nodded cautiously.
“You should be careful,” she said sweetly. “Not everyone in this pack is okay with an omega climbing where she doesn’t belong.”
I blinked. “Excuse me?”
“You think just because Ian kissed you, you matter?” she scoffed. “He plays with girls like you. Don’t mistake it for anything real.”
Before I could respond, a new voice cut through the tension.
“I’d be careful if I were you, Sasha.”
Ian.
He strode into the hallway like he owned the ground beneath him.
Sasha instantly stepped back.
“If I hear you threaten her again,” Ian said coolly, “you’ll be dealing with me.”
Sasha stammered. “I was just—”
“Go,” he said, not even looking at her again.
She left in a hurry, her two shadows following her like silent echoes.
Ian turned to me, eyes softening.
“Are you okay?”
I nodded slowly. “Why are you doing this?”
“Because you’re mine,” he said. “And I won’t let anyone hurt what’s mine.”
I should’ve been afraid.
But I wasn’t.
Because in that moment, even with the entire world watching and whispering—
I felt safe.