Page 6 of The Drama King
I slowed, assessing the situation. The smart move would be to take another route, avoid drawing their attention to myself. But something in Michael's stance—the tilt of his chin, the way he kept his shoulders square despite being obviously outmatched—sparked a surge of solidarity.
Before I could think better of it, my feet were moving.
"What waste of a scholarship when you can't even breed properly," Corvus was saying as I approached, his voice carrying that particular cold cruelty I'd witnessed in the dining hall.
"I earned my place here," Michael replied, his voice quiet but steady despite the tension radiating from his frame. "My designation has nothing to do with my academic ability."
Oakley laughed, but there was nothing friendly about the sound. "Everything's about designation, sweetheart. That's biology. Male Omegas are literally genetic dead ends—can't even breed at all."
"And yet somehow we still contribute more to society than trust fund Alphas who peak in college," Michael shot back.
Corvus's expression darkened dangerously, and I knew I needed to intervene before this escalated beyond words.
"Excuse me," I called out, approaching with projected confidence I didn't feel. "Michael? I think you're going to be late for the science department introduction."
Three heads turned toward me simultaneously. Michael's expression shifted from surprise to quick understanding, while the two Alphas registered varying degrees of interest and calculation.
"Vespera," Corvus recovered first, his tone shifting to something almost pleasant."We didn't properly meet last night. I'm Corvus Barclay."
He already knew my name. I wasn’t surprised.
"And I'm running late," I replied, deliberately ignoring his introduction and moving to stand beside Michael. "We both need to get going if we don't want to miss department meetings."
Michael caught on immediately. "You're absolutely right. I should have left five minutes ago." He turned back to the Alphas with careful, almost mocking, politeness. "If you'll excuse us?"
I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling at the flash of genuine irritation that crossed Corvus's face. Oakley, however, appeared more amused than offended by our obvious dismissal.
"We'll see you both around campus," Oakley said, his tone carrying enough threat to be unmistakable. "It's always good to keep track of how our scholarship money is being spent."
The possessive way he said "our money"—as if the entire university and everyone in it belonged to them—made my skin crawl. But I kept my expression neutral and gave Michael a subtle nod toward the path leading away from the science building.
"Thanks for that," Michael said quietly once we were safely out of earshot. "They cornered me right after I left the scholarship meeting."
"No problem." I glanced back to make sure they weren't following us. "I take it this isn't your first encounter with them?"
"Not exactly.” He rubbed his arm where Corvus had been standing particularly close. "I should actually get to the science building. My department introduction really is starting soon."
"Go ahead. I'm meeting friends at the café."
Michael nodded gratefully and headed off at a quick pace, his shoulders already relaxing as he put distance between himself and the encounter. I watched him go, wondering if this was the beginning of their targeting or if he'd been dealing with this kind of harassment all along.
The interaction had reinforced everything Stephanie had told me about the pack's methods. They were strategic, picking moments when their targets were isolated and vulnerable. If they'd go after a pre-med student with such casual cruelty, what would they do to someone in their own department?
The Campus Cafe was exactly what I'd hoped for: a cozy brick building with wide windows, mismatched furniture, and the rich aroma of quality coffee that immediately made me feel more human. Through the glass, I spotted Stephanie's distinctive blue hair at a corner table by the window.
She waved enthusiastically as I entered, sitting with someone whose back was to me. Dark hair caught the sunlight streaming through the window, and as I approached, her companion turned to reveal a slender young man with sharp, intelligent features and warm brown eyes.
"Finally!" Stephanie called out. "We were about to send a search party. Vespera, meet Robbie Gao. Robbie, this is the famous roommate I've been telling you about."
He stood to offer his hand, and I immediately caught his scent: something warm and comforting, like vanilla, with the distinctive sweetness that marked him as an Omega. His uniform was impeccable, clearly tailored, with a small pin on his lapel featuring interlocked male symbols.
"Robert Gao, but everyone calls me Robbie," he said, his grip firm and confident. "Theater major, junior year, and according to Stephanie, your potential partner in crime."
"Vespera Levine," I replied, settling into the empty chair. "Acting focus, first-year, and apparently your fellow target for Alpha harassment."
"Oh?" His eyebrows rose with interest. "Do tell."
As I recounted my encounter with Corvus and Oakley, Robbie's expression grew increasingly grim.