Chapter 161: Prove you’re not gay

On the morning of Alyssa’s entrance examination, Dorian received an urgent mind-link from Jake. A band of rogues had breached the edge of the territory.

He was supposed to drive Alyssa to the Academy himself, but a border breach was a summons he couldn’t ignore, not after how they had tried to attack Alyssa in Ashgard.

"I wish I didn’t have to leave, my love," he said, pulling on his jacket and leaning down to press a kiss on her cheek. "I wanted to be there with you today, but I cannot turn a blind eye to this."

"It’s alright," Alyssa smiled reassuringly as she adjusted his collar. "Truly, I understand. It seems these rogue attacks are becoming frequent again."

"They are," Dorian agreed, his jaw tightening into a grim line. "I don’t want a repeat of what happened in Ashgard, so promise me you’ll stay with Alec no matter what. He’ll take you to the Academy."

"I’ll stay with him. I promise."

He cupped her face, giving her a firm, lingering kiss on the lips. "Good luck on your exam today. If I finish up early enough, I’ll come take you home after you’re done."

She nodded. "Okay. Be careful."

"I will. I love you."

"I love you too."

He kissed her once more, then turned and hurried out of the room, already mind linking Jake to meet him in the driveway.

Alyssa stepped away from the vanity and walked over to the window. She watched below as Dorian and Jake boarded the armored SUV, flanked by a dozen guards who followed behind them in their lycan forms.

The last few days had been blessedly quiet. Her bond with Dorian had deepened significantly after the explosive, unhinged passion they had shared in the library; a raw release that seemed to burn away the lingering doubts between them.

Even better, Elvira had backed away totally, keeping her distance from Dorian entirely.

Alyssa was relieved the former Luna seemed to finally understand her boundary, but that didn’t mean she would easily trust her. She still had her eyes pinned on Elvira.

Moving back to the mirror, she took her time getting dressed. She still had two full hours before the examination commenced.

The tailored, ivory suit pants moulded her curves to perfection, highlighting the flare of her hips and slender waist. The white button-down shirt was immaculate, and it complimented the pants perfectly.

Stepping back to examine her reflection in the mirror, a proud smile broke across her features.

She had changed considerably over the past months. She was no longer the timid, insecure girl she once was. She was bolder now, more confident, and every bit the Luna she was meant to be. She would no longer allow anyone from Dorian’s past to diminish her presence.

She hurriedly brushed her hair, securing it into a sleek, high ponytail before grabbing her bag pack and heading downstairs.

Pandora and Henna were already seated in the dining room when she descended the stairs.

"Look at you," Pandora gushed, setting down her teacup with an awed smile. "You look absolutely stunning."

"You look incredible, Alyssa," Henna agreed warmly. "I almost didn’t recognize you."

"Oh, stop it you two," Alyssa chuckled softly, taking the seat beside Pandora. "I am trying very hard to keep my nerves from taking over."

"Trust me, you’re gonna ace that exam," Pandora assured her. "I won’t be surprised if you got the highest score. You’ve spent every waking hour studying."

"I hope I do," Alyssa laughed softly. She glanced around the table, noticing the empty chairs. "Did Anthony and Jake leave with Dorian?"

"They did," Alec answered as he stepped into the dining room and took a seat beside her. "Which means I’m on escort duty today. I’ll be driving you to the Academy."

"Poor Alec," Henna teased gently. "You must miss fighting alongside the Alpha. I hope you don’t feel bad for staying back with us."

Alec chuckled and shook his head. "Of course not. You’re my brother’s mate. Pandora is my Alpha’s sister, and it is my duty to protect the Luna. I wouldn’t change this for anything."

"That is very sweet of you, Alec," Alyssa beamed. She smiled at Cara who entered and carefully placed a plate of poached eggs, bacon, and toast before her, alongside a steaming cup of sweet tea. "Thank you, Cara."

"Besides," Alec continued as he downed the cup of black coffee he held. "It gives André a break from driving so he can spend time with his mate."

Henna tilted her head, watching him thoughtfully. "Why haven’t you found your mate yet, Alec? Does it usually take this long?"

"It takes longer," Alec explained calmly. "Lycans don’t find their mates as easily as werewolves do. It could take years for the bond to snap into place. See how long it took Jake before he found you? Apart from me, Anthony and Pandora haven’t found theirs either, even though everyone else except the Alpha already suspects they’re fated mates."

"Alec, drop it," Pandora cut in, though a sudden flush rose to her cheeks at the sound of Anthony’s name. "Anthony and I are not mates. We can barely tolerate each other. We’re just friends."

"Yeah, keep lying to yourself," Alec muttered smugly.

"You know," Pandora countered, her eyes glinting with mischief as she looked up, "I wouldn’t be surprised if the real reason you haven’t found a mate is because you’re gay. I barely see you with any girl."

"Don’t be ridiculous, Pandora," Alec replied smoothly, unfazed. "I’m not gay, and you know it."

Pandora’s gaze suddenly drifted past his shoulder, catching sight of Samantha quietly walking past the dining area toward the kitchen. Her lips curved into a wicked grin.

"Oh, really?" Her voice dripped with smug glee. "Prove it then. Prove you’re not gay. Fuck Samantha!"

Samantha froze dead in her tracks, her hand hovering over the doorframe as the words carried across the silent room.

"What?" both her and Alec exclaimed simultaneously.

"Pandora, stop it," Alyssa cut in, shaking her head with an amused laugh. "Leave them alone." She glanced toward Samantha, offering her an apologetic smile. "Ignore her."

Alec’s jaw clenched tightly as heat creeped up his neck and bloomed on his face. He never blushed for any reason. Ever!

He turned his head slowly, his eyes locking onto Samantha standing frozen in front of the door leading to the hallway.

For a long, suspended second, neither of them looked away. The air between them grew taut, humming with a sudden, unspoken intensity.

Samantha swallowed hard, broke the eye contact abruptly, and stormed down the hallway.

Alec tore his gaze away, only to find Pandora smirking at him with triumphant satisfaction.

"You like her," she whispered gleefully.

"You are delusional," Alec said flatly. "I suggest you focus on your own complicated affairs with Anthony before lecturing me on mine."

"You didn’t deny it!" Pandora pressed on, leaning in with a sly grin. "There is definitely a spark there between the two of you..."

Alec abruptly stood up, adjusting his shirt and turning to Alyssa. "Luna, whenever you’re ready, I’ll be waiting in the driveway."

He turned and strode out without another word, Pandora’s light laughter echoing behind him.

"That wasn’t entirely fair, Pandora," Alyssa said softly once he was out of earshot. "Teasing him like that."

"Oh, please, I was just kidding," Pandora chuckled, taking a sip of her tea. "Besides, I’ve seen the way he looks at Samantha when he thinks no one is looking."

"You mean the exact same way you look at Anthony?" Alyssa countered sweetly.

Pandora almost choked on her tea, her cheeks burning. "For the last time, there is nothing going on between Anthony and me..."

"Luna Alyssa?" a voice called out suddenly from the hallway.

Alyssa turned, the warm atmosphere instantly evaporating as her eyes landed on Elvira standing at the edge of the hallway. She scrutinized her outfit, and her blood ran cold.

Elvira was dressed in a tailored ivory suit, nearly identical to Alyssa’s own. Her hair was pulled back into the same high, sleek ponytail, and she carried a similar leather bag pack over her shoulder. The sight looked eerie and deeply unsettling.

She glided forward, a bright fake smile plastered on her face. "I heard Alec is driving you to the Academy. I was hoping I could catch a ride with you, since I have business in that direction as well."

Pandora stood up abruptly, her chair scraping harshly against the floor. "Are you insane, Elvira? What the hell do you think you’re wearing?"

"I’m not talking to you, Pandora," Elvira interrupted smoothly, keeping her eyes fixed on Alyssa.

But Pandora wasn’t having it. "I will mop the floor with your mouth because I am sick and tired of your constant games..."

"Pandora," Alyssa cut in, her voice calm and commanding. She gave Pandora a soft look and smiled. "It’s okay. I got this."

Turning back to Elvira, she met her gaze head-on. Deep down, she knew this eerie imitation of her outfit was an obvious provocation; a jab designed to rattle her before her examination.

But this time, she wouldn’t let her succeed.

She smiled coldly at Elvira and nodded. "Sure. You can ride with me."

She left the table and walked toward the entrance without waiting, totally missing the smile of triumph that flashed across Elvira’s face before it vanished.