Chapter 46

Monday morning at school, I was completely caught off guard when I got a sudden call to the dean's office. I had no idea what was going on, but I had a sinking suspicion it had something to do with what happened last week.

On my way to the dean's office, I saw Jessica's followers crying in the hallways.

This wasn't good.

Right as I opened the dean's office door, I saw a stunned Jessica sitting in the seat across from the dean. Next to her was Lucas, looking ever so serious.

His eyes met mine as I closed the door. I had no idea what was going on, but I felt relieved to have him by my side.

"Shana, please take a seat." The dean gestured to an empty seat. "We have some important things to discuss."

I followed the dean's orders and took the seat next to Lucas which thankfully, happened to be far from Jessica.

"Lucas has told me everything. From the constant torment and bullying that Jessica and other students have been putting you through." The dean's face was stern as he watched Jessica for a reaction. "I was also made aware of the events that took place in the training room last week and how you were locked after school hours."

While the dean was talking, Jessica stayed silent, keeping her head down.

"Lucas thinks that I should expel Jessica and all other students involved in this incident," the dean continued.

I was unable to hide the surprise on my face, shocked by Lucas's actions, but also grateful for his support. I had been thinking about talking to the dean myself and making Jessica face the consequences of her actions, but now I felt more confident with Lucas backing me up.

"Well... what Lucas said is true." My voice felt small and scared as I talked. I looked over to Lucas for reassurance, and he nodded his head, encouraging me to keep talking. "Jessica has been targeting me for weeks. What happened in the training room was the worst of it."

Suddenly, the dean's office door flew open, and an older woman showed up. Her face was caked with makeup, but it still looked familiar to me. When the woman went to stand beside Jessica, I realized that it was her mother.

"What is the meaning of this?" Jessica's mother asked with attitude.

Instantly, I knew that things were going to get real tense, really quick.

"Your daughter has been bullying this young woman for weeks now, encouraging other students to follow in her footsteps," The dean stated in a calm and clear manner. "Shadow High does not tolerate hatred or bullying of any kind. You can see why this matter is extremely concerning to us. Jessica faces the risk of expulsion."

"Well, I'm sure that whatever she's done, she is deeply sorry for. Right, Jessica?" Jessica's mother shook her head with regret. "Her behavior is uncalled for, and I promise you it will never happen again."

"This has happened multiple times already. Last week, Jessica dragged Shana into the school's training facility after hours, tied her up, wrote on her face with markers, and taped her mouth shut. She intended to leave Shana in the room for the entirety of the weekend." The dean watched Jessica's mother.

Jessica's mother turned to her own daughter, a frown taking over her demeanor. "How could you do such a horrible thing? I didn't raise you to be such a tyrant."

I could feel the tension rising, and I wasn't sure how this would play out.

Then came the bombshell – "I understand that this is a very grave offense. We do not tolerate bullying in our own home. It goes against everything I've taught Jessica," her mother said. "I know Jessica was born a Beta, like me, but my husband is a well-known Alpha."

"I hope you can reconsider your decision and think about how this will ruin his reputation. Give Jessica another chance. If she gets expelled, this could hurt her chances of getting into a good university," Jessica's mother continued.

Was Jessica’s mother seriously trying to get Jessica out of trouble by using her Alpha heritage?

That revelation made me nervous. Although businesses and schools were promoting equal rights for everyone, of any status, I understood more than anyone that bias still existed in society.

"I'm sorry, but Jessica's actions cannot go unpunished, no matter what your family's status is. I understand that may be a burden to you, but I have to treat each student fairly. Shadow High does not tolerate hatred and harassment," the dean said.

But underneath his mask of strength, I could see he was slowly wavering. If Jessica’s mother continued to push him, he might just give in and let Jessica off with a free pass.

"Well, this is just great!" Jessica's mother threw her arms up in the air. "What if this girl is just lying and making up all of these claims? Do you know who my husband is? I can sue you for defamation!"

"It's true," I insisted.

"How do I know that? You're just some wolfless girl. How are you more important than an Alpha's daughter? All wolfless are used to being deceptive to get their way. You probably made all of this up for sympathy or attention!"

I'd been called wolfless over and over again, but the pain of what that word implied never hurt any less. Especially now when my character was in question.

Why would I ever lie about being bullied? What was the advantage of it for me?

I didn't need sympathy or attention.

I was shaken by her words.

My throat opened, struggling to find the words to defend myself, but thankfully, Lucas stepped in to defend me instead.

"Don't speak to her that way," he said.

"Why are you helping this girl?" Jessica's mother asked Lucas, confusion taking over her features. "She's beneath you."

"Shana is important to me, and I won't let her be treated unfairly. Justice needs to be served, and if that means expulsion for all the students involved, then so be it," Lucas continued.

Jessica's mother hesitated, still not understanding why Lucas, a member of one of the biggest Alpha billionaire families, would be helping a random wolfless girl like me.

"Well, I'm not going to leave this school until I have some answers. Like evidence." Jessica's mother turned to the dean in a flash. "How do you know these events took place? Are you just taking this boy's word for it?" she pointed an accusatory finger at Lucas. "Do you trust him because of who his father is?"

"Don't be ridiculous," the dean said, looking as if he was getting more and more annoyed by the second. "We have to thoroughly investigate this matter. I don’t just listen to my students based on their status."

There was silence before her mother exploded. "Well then where is the evidence?! I've still not seen anything to prove that Jessica is at fault!"

A gut feeling of unease bubbled up inside of me. This situation wasn’t going to end well.

Although many of Jessica’s followers were ordinary Betas who might face expulsion due to their lack of higher-class family status, Jessica herself would likely remain at Shadow High because of her mother’s influence.

It was wildly unfair considering Jessica was the mastermind behind all of the bullying.

She should’ve had the greatest punishment out of everyone involved, but it was starting to look like nothing would be done about this.

Justice would not be served.