Chapter 38
I could practically see Rebecca’s face turning purple in anger and it was awesome. After all the times she's come at me since we met, I’m not going to back down.
Rebecca snarks back at me, “spew lies all you want, everyone knows you don’t belong at this school.”
I roll my eyes, because seriously, she's recycling the same tired stuff over and over again.
“Let me guess, because I'm poor?” I asked sarcastically. I expected better from someone who prides herself on being god's gift to the universe at this school.
But honestly talking to her just exhausted me.
Nothing she says ever gets to me really. Plus, it’s like he cycles through insulting my social standing, the fact that I’m on scholarship and poor.
Or, and this has quickly become my personal favorite, that I’m a loose seductress that managed to nab three hot guys in order to advance in school.
I mean I guess I’m flattered that she seems to think that a poor, scholarship student that she constantly calls trash, is somehow skilled enough to bag three hotties.
“Yeah, someone like you and your lowly mother should never have stepped foot in this school in the first place.”
The minute she mentioned my mom, I almost slapped her right across the face. But I try to hold back and calm myself.
“It’s not worth it Katie, breathe.” I keep repeating that in my head.
If I did end up hitting her, it’d be just my crappy luck that I'm caught and suspended or something.
Despite everything that Rebecca has done to me. If I were to hit her, outside of approved combat, she’d make sure her father ruined my life and any future I wished to have.
As I’m working to calm down, the lights in the auditorium dim, signaling everyone to quiet down, the ceremony is starting.
I choose to ignore Rebecca and head over to where I was told to stand on stage. Lucius walks over to the mic, getting everyone's attention.
“Welcome everyone to the 23rd Annual award ceremony for those who have shown such great skills and strength during our competition this year.”
The nervous energy from before seeps back in as I take in all the families in the audience.
Sadness settles in as I think about how mom wasn’t here with me to share in my accomplishments.
Though I don’t really know how to explain everything to her. I mean the whole competition isn’t for humans so telling her i beat two people in combat might throw up some red flags for her.
As Lucius finishes his opening speech and calls the runner ups from prelims and semi finals to get their rewards, I stand lost in thought.
Finally, when my name is called, I’m pulled from my thoughts, I walk over to Lucius, alone.
Being the other students brought their parents up with them, me standing alone is a stark contrast which of course sets off the murmurs of the crowd.
One person in particular has no problem commenting on me being alone in front of everyone.
She always makes sure she never wastes a chance to make me look bad.
“What, no mom to join you on stage?” Rebecca’s snarky words make my teeth clench as it spreads throughout the room.
Some people look smug, as if they have their parents with them, others giving me pitying looks.
Seriously, these people really know how to take something great and turn it to crap in seconds, don’t they?
I ignore Rebecca but that doesn’t stop her, “It’s quite clear that you're just such an embarrassment to your own mother that she could make time to see you get your awards.”
“But then again you are just street trash, not worthy of anyone giving a damn about you.”
Rebecca’s words turn the whole auditorium to fall into an eerie silence. Whether anyone else was thinking something similar or agreed with her, no one would ever be bold enough to say that out loud.
The sound of the heavy doors swinging closed at the back breaks the silence, everyone turning in their seats to glimpse the new arrivals.
Dressed in a pristine, well tailored navy blue suit, with pale blue tie, and pocket square to match, is the Alpha that stands above them all, William Landry.
On his arm in a gorgeous pale blue summer dress with snow white pashmina with golden filigree is an unknown woman.
Her small stature and pale flawless skin, makes it hard to place her age. However, as the two walk further down the aisle to the stage two things become clear to everyone.
One, this person is someone deeply important to their Alpha, given the oppressive aura he releases if anyone's gaze, particularly any male gaze stays on his companion too long.
The second thing is, that she is a hundred percent human.
I can tell everyone is kind of at a loss for words right now. Hell, so am I to be honest, I had no idea my mom was going to be here, let alone on William’s arm.
I quickly try to find Adrian and Draven in the seats below, but the light makes it difficult to see the audience.
Taking a breath I paste on an awkward smile as they both finally reach the stage and walk over to me.
Mom wastes no time pulling me into a tight, bone crushing hug as William addresses the stunned silent audience.
“Apologize for the late arrival, but there was a bit of traffic getting here.”
William’s words fill the room, the aura he exudes crashing down on everyone as he looks over the crowd. His eyes are sharp and cold despite the warm, open smile he’s currently wearing.
My eyes are on him as I hug mom, so I notice when his gaze lingers for a second longer on Rebecca, who just moments ago was spewing filth about me and mom.
It’s a quick glance before he moves on but it's enough to visibly shake Rebecca.
A small smirk, tugs up the corner of my lips as mom pulls back.
“Sorry, we’re late Katie,” mom said, a worried look in her eyes.
No doubt she over heard that last comment of Rebecca’s too when she came in.
To be fair, Rebecca wasn’t trying to hide her nastiness so I’m not surprised that mom even heard her with her human hearing.
“It’s fine,” I said reassuring her. I don't want her worrying over something so stupid.
“It’s my fault,” William said walking over, the crowd behind him forgotten for the moment, “I couldn’t pick out the right tie to match your mother so we left later than I planned.”
I chuckle slightly, imagining this tall, muscular Alpha, fretting over a tie just to match his partner is kind of dorky but adorable.
“Well you picked the perfect one in the end so the delay was worth it,” I said, smiling kindly at William.
William smiles back before pulling me into a small, still kind of awkward hug.
I swear the moment he did that, you couldn’t hear a single person breathing in the entire building.
