Chapter 18

• I wipe my eyes, the sting of the liquid still lingering on my skin, and strain to see who the culprit is. When I finally make out her face, it's no surprise that it's Linda, the daughter of an alpha and a member of Alice's cheerleading squad. Her disdainful glare is fueled by the prejudice she likely holds against me, courtesy of Alice's influence.
• "That's what you get for stealing other people's mates," Linda sneers, her words dripping with venom.
• Her accusation strikes a nerve, and while it stings to be judged so unfairly, I refuse to let her misconceptions dictate my response. With determination coursing through my veins, I rise to my feet, my eyes locking with hers in a defiant stare. In that split second, I make a conscious decision not to cower in the face of their bullying. Today, it's juice, but it could be something far worse tomorrow. I refuse to give them the satisfaction of seeing me as an easy target. Without a moment's hesitation, I grab a nearby plate of food and smash it against her face.