Chapter 33 The hallway was dead silent for a beat . Then- " CALLUM . " My father's voice made the air snap . He yanked me by the elbow and marched me outside the faculty wing before I could process what was happening . His grip was bruising , his eyes sharp . " What the hell was that ? " he hissed . " I'm ... still trying to figure it out , " I said , yanking my arm free . " Did you really try to expel her behind my back ? All because of Bianca and I ? You don't think you should have , I don't know , included me in that plan ?! " " She is a problem , Callum . She's not one of us - she's nothing . And now she's made a fool of us , in public ! " I bit down hard on my tongue before saying what I really wanted to say : She made a fool of you , not me . " She's passed , " I said instead , voice low . " As far as we know . You said she couldn't . She did . She won at your game , and I didn't ever take you as a man who cheats , father . " He narrowed his eyes at me , all fire and fury , like I'd just betrayed him . " That girl is dangerous . She undermines everything we've built . Your alliance with Bianca , your place as heir , your control over this school . You will act like that girl means nothing to you from now on . Are we clear ? " I didn't answer right away . Because no , we weren't clear . We didn't speak for a moment , both of us drilling our gazes into eachother . My mother broke it first , peering around my father . " Son ... we just ... " She paused trying to find the words . " We didn't expect you to be so ... you seem agitated . " " Do I ? " I said , perfectly flat . She looked over at my father , lips pinched . He finally cut our stare down with a huff and curl of his lip " You're not happy , " he said finally . " Why ? I don't understand you . " I stared at the window across the room . It was raining again . Fitting . " You went behind my back , " I said again , slower this time . " I get it , you wanted to help me . The pack . But you tried to expel her without telling me . You knew I had history with her- " ני 1 Chapter 33 +15 BONUS " We were helping you , " my mother interrupted , frowning . " She's a distraction . An unstable girl with a chip on her shoulder . You've got enough on your plate with Bianca- " " And the Homecoming , " my father added . " We've decided it's time . You'll announce the engagement during the ceremony . " I blinked . " Decided ? " " You need to solidify your role , " he said , more like a command then a choice . " The pack's influence is slipping . The alliance with Bianca's family secures our future . This nonsense with the wolfless girl - it's not worth jeopardizing the entire line over . I'm not sure how many times I need to tell you this . " My hands curled into fists at my side . " She passed the exam , " I said quietly . They kept talking , not hearing me . " Bianca is a well - bred match , " my mother continued . " She's elegant , the female alpha , capable , and she knows how to behave - unlike some . " " She passed the damn exam , " I snapped , louder this time . " And you don't think that means something ? " It echoed harder than it should've . For a second , everything froze . Then- " Callum ? " I felt my patience slip further . Bianca . She peeked in through the hall doors , all concerned expression and perfect posture , like she hadn't been eas dropping . " Sorry , I was worried , " she said carefully . " Is everything alright ? " My parents turned into diplomats on cue . My mother turned to her , smiling too brightly . " Darling , of course . Just a spirited discussion ! We are so honnored to finally get to chat in person ! " My father added , " We were just talking about your big night . We're so proud to have you joining the family . I swallowed the sour taste in my throat , turned to Bianca , and said what I had to say . " Sorry , " I muttered . " Didn't mean to raise my voice . " Bianca's eyes flicked to the table , to my clenched fists , then back to my face . " It's fine , " she said , with a Chapter 33 small shrug . " I get it . Stress . " I nodded . " Yeah . Just that . " +15 BONUS I knew what they wanted . What everyone wanted . A clean , obedient heir who did what he was told , made nice with the right people , kept the family name on top , and smiled through the poison . I knew my role . Knew the weight of the crown before it was ever placed on my head . So I apologized . I let her lace her fingers through mine . Yet even as I settled into the seat beside Bianca , Liora's image lingered in my mind - the confident tilt of her chin , her steady voice as she confronted my father without hesitation . And I couldn't shake the question racing through my thoughts : could a wolfless really be that fearless ? Chapter 34 +15 BONUS Chapter 34