• Chapter seven •
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I was laughing evilly.
I was in my prime.
I was getting under his skin and I loved it.
I should've been born an evil genius with a beautiful deadly laugh, a cat, rotating chair and a deep lair.
"I don't get how this is a win for you?" Felix broke me from my sweet daydream, making me frown and stare at him.
"He doesn't like me ignoring him for some reason," I said slowly, trying to see if he realises why it's a win for me. Felix only raised his brown eyebrows, shrugging his shoulder.
It was true though.
After the diner incident two weeks ago, I decided to stay true to my words and ignore Theo. I tell myself that the reason i'm doing it is for my own sake because I'm much better without him, but really, I was more... curious to see what he'd do. Theo acted like a king because he was treated that way all his life.
I assumed he'd give two reactions, A) not care at all and leave me equally alone, or, B) show some reaction, and a reaction it was.
Which made sense, he after all, has thrown up to me before about me ignoring him even though that wasn't as intentional as it was now.
At first, last week, I made sure to not glance his way, even when one of his stupid friends bellowed a remark. Even when we were both passing one another in the hallway and even when he'd glance at me during class.
I made it my mission to avoid his existence, no matter how much my body desperately reacted to his presence, yearning for contact even if it was just a stare. Pathetic right? Absolutely but what can I do? Lock myself in a freezer?
To sum it up, I was basically giving all my attention to anything but him.
It was the Wednesday when I decided to see if he actually did display any reaction to the cheap game I was playing. So when a smitten girl grew jealous at Theo staring over at me (I could feel his gaze in the hall) she put her invisible cape on and approached me, evidently angry. Her snide comment only made me smile.
The first thing I noticed was the furrow of his eyebrows. My little to none reaction had him curious. He'd expect me to say something snarky, not to shrug my shoulders after two days of deliberate ignoring.
This was fun.
Fun because someone like Theo had such a high self worth that someone like me, a person he rejected, wasn't fazed or obsessing over him, was an insult to his ego. A shock. Painfully obvious, and let me tell you, it definitely caught his attention.
At first, holding myself back from saying a comment or showing reaction was difficult, but now, it was extremely worth it if it meant I could slap him in his face without even needing to raise my hand.
By Friday, I could feel him staring more and more. I could feel the scrutinising gaze drill into me like laser beams.
"And that's how I'm winning."
"Hm," Felix muttered after hearing me explain all that. "I thought it shouldn't matter what he does though?"
"Well," I was perplexed, pulling my head back and blinking. "I... I..." Felix was shooting me the look he does when he knows he's right. I huffed, collapsing into the back of my backpack. "Look," I nodded, narrowing my eyes and staring off into the distance. "He was a jerk to me, for no reason. I think I deserve to get a kick out of seeing him get annoyed."
Plus, it's not like he'll approach me or anything, he's got too much pride and I'm leaving him alone so he has no reason to. It's just a little fun and enjoyment out of this messed up situation.
"Yeah," Felix nodded. He dropped his pen and pursed his lips. "Say... Why do you think it bothers him enough to constantly glance at us?" Even Felix, the same guy blind to Theo and I by the library, had picked up on it.
"Uh, because he's an egotistical ho? Because he enjoys seeing people hurt? That he wants me to be reacting or begging, crawling on the floor and crying my heart out-"
"No, no, I get all that," Felix murmured, cutting me off. "It's just... He seems to almost want to see you be upset over him or at least angry..."
"Well yeah," I pulled an obvious face, shooting him a 'duh' look. "It's because he's messed up in the head and takes joy in that."
"I know, I know, but," He was thinking hard about something. "This is Theo. The guy who would never pay a girl a second glance." I frowned at what he was trying to get at.
"Okay but... the difference is, I'm suppose to be his mate, he hates me for it, even though it wasn't either of our fault. He wants to make my life hell because he's that type of guy."
"I know," Felix stressed out and shook his head. "It's just... even before you focused on ignoring him, he'd stare, watch you. In the hallway if someone says something or when you enter the cafeteria. Like he's testing you."
I scoffed. "Makes sense, the asshole loves to play games and be mean for no reason. How he'll be Alpha one day is beyond me."
"Yeah..." Felix murmured, shutting his book. I glanced across the field before pulling out a strand of grass. "Look, I just think it's weird that he's so responsive to the sudden block you've put up," I get that, I mean, I was surprised to feel his glances on me last week, along with yesterday, but I don't get why Felix was making a point on this. "I mean, you don't want him chasing you do you?"
I nearly laughed, no, scratch that, I did laugh. Loudly. Theo, the cocky turd, chasing me? Good joke. He's the same guy who decided to embarrass me in front of everyone just to make the point that I wasn't good enough.
Felix was serious though and that had my laugh fading.
"I'm being serious. The fact that you're suddenly not giving the reaction he probably wants or aren't anymore entertaining him, might not push him away as you hope, but instead, fuel him to chase you for the sake of a reaction or a challenge."
Shit.
I laughed off his words. "Nah, doubt it." Was I really doubting it? "Guys don't think that way."
"You'd be surprised," Felix muttered. "It's bad enough people talked about how little you cared at first and now with you ignoring him? ... well, it doesn't matter," He shrugged, telling me, "Time will tell."
He hadn't noticed my gulp as I frowned off into the distance.
No, there is no way Theo will bother with me. He has no reason to.
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"What a pleasant surprise?" I said, smiling at the girl with locks of red curls on her head. "Why does everyone fake always feel the need to stop by my locker?"
She gasped and put a hand on her cheek. "I'm not fake..." She then jutted out her chin and narrowed her eyes. "Anyway," She huffed, flicking the short curls off her shoulder. "I just wanted to tell you that-"
"You like Theo, right?" I interrupted.
Baffled, she slowly nodded, unsure by my interruption. "Yeah-"
"Okay, well I don't."
She didn't know what to say. She could only blink with those doe blue eyes and stare at me with an open mouth. "Um.. well, good!" She snapped, composing herself. I smiled, knowing I ruined her chance to try and bully me. "He belongs to Melanie!"
I saw one of Theo's friends slow down, eyebrows raising at the sight.
So, I said, "Yeah, they would be a cute couple."
I hope they tell him.
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I spoke too soon.
"I don't appreciate being shoved like that!" I snapped, glaring at him. I can't believe he dare shoved me into an empty classroom! I want to go home, I have left-overs I don't want my brother snatching!
"I don't care," He growled, frustratingly slamming the door.
I crossed my arms and sat on a desk, trying to keep a calm barrier up even though I was a little startled. It isn't everyday that you're shoved into a classroom with an angry, hot guy.
"Why am I here? I haven't done anything."
He scoffed, the corner of his lips tugging up as he lifted his head and stared over at me. "Really? Haven't done anything? You think I'm oblivious? that I can't see right through your fake act?" He gritted. "You're trying so fucking hard, how many times do I have to remind you that it's embarrassing?"
"I'm not trying anything," I gritted out, frustrated at his accusation. He's ridiculous! "What are you even talking abo-"
"Pft," He pulled a mocking face, scoffing. "Please, your act of ignoring me? Trying to pretend you're not bothered? I see right through it."
I felt suddenly exposed but I quickly kept my cool. I have nothing to fret over. "If you think everything I do falls back to you, then you're highly mistaken," I spoke calmly, even though my nerves said a different emotion. I was about to say more but he cut me off.
"Say what you want and pretend all you like," He paused. "But just because you tell everyone you don't like me doesn't mean everyone actually believes it."
"Well, they should believe it," I nodded my head tauntingly. "Because it's the truth."
"Whose convinced by that?" He tilted his head. "Are you? I don't think even you are."
I was almost speechless. "Look, Theo. I'm not some silly toy to manipulate," I glared at him as he slowly smirked. "Or try to, should I say."
"Who said anything about manipulating?"
"Oh please, you're trying to make out like I don't know how I feel or think."
"I'm not, maybe you're just confusing yourself."
"You're doing it again!" I lowly growled. He feigned innocent, biting his lip. "Whatever! I don't need to convince anyone anything. I KNOW what I know, so you can stay thinking whatever you want all you like-"
"And what do you know?" He calmly interrupted. "Go on, tell me."
"That you're a mole."
"A mole? You should have your mouth washed out with soap," He taunted. "That's it? That's all you know?"
I didn't like the way he was speaking to me. Glaring, "I know I don't like you. I also know you hate my guts."
"See, you really do know nothing then."
"What's that suppose to mean?" I gritted before shaking my head. "Actually, I don't care. I really don't care anymore," I stood up. "Oh, by the way, do you ask all those desperate puppy eyed girls to approach me and insult me? It's getting real old..."
"Nah," He shook his head, smirking at me in a way that made me feel inferior. "I wouldn't waste my time. Why would I get them to insult you when I can just do it myself, but better," I noticed his eyes had a spark in them as he said that.
"Why bother-"
"Don't question me."
"Don't pull me into classrooms," I shot back at him.
"Don't? Cora, I'll do what I want." He smiled a closed lip smile. "You can't stop me. I mean, look at you-" He gestured to me. "Everyone can see the truth cracking through your facade. So desperate to try and convince everyone around you and yourself that you're okay with all this. You know though," He took a step forward. "You're allowed to be upset. It's okay... there there, Cora, do you want me to comfort you?"
"Go fuck your self."
"Excuse me?" He seemed taken back.
"You. Heard. Me. Go. Fuck. Yourself! You are such an arrogant asshole."
"Woah now, why are you getting so defensive? If you didn't care about me like you try to pretend you don't, you shouldn't be so bothered, right? Damn... I hit a nerve, didn't I?"
"What more do I have to say for you to get it! I don't like you, Theo! So yeah, I truly don't give a shit if you want to be my mate or not. IN FACT I am glad you don't want this, because neither do I."
He clenched his jaw, losing the teasing attitude, now replaced with sudden irritation at me.
"Admit it right now that you're lying." I shrugged my shoulders. "Admit it, Cora."
I could only bite my lip. It was a shame he was so attractive. It was also a shame that I found him telling me what to do like that attractive. "I'll admit that I don't want to be mates as much as you don't want to be."
He studied my face. "You liar."
"Okay," I shrugged.
I didn't think ignoring him would've antagonised him this much!
He didn't like my calmness. "I think you forget just who I am-"
"I think you forget I don't care," I took a step back, my bum hitting the desk. He pressed his lips together.
"You know, I am being so patient with you, Cora. Bet it must feel good, knowing just how lucky you are to have gotten away with the attitude and disrespect you've been giving me. That you've always given me."
"Oh please! Seriously? Get over yourself!" I hesitantly watched him take a step in my direction. "You're Not Alpha yet. You're just a school student like me."
"One far beyond you, don't compare me to you," He narrowed his eyes. There was a still moment, our eyes clashing. "Is this what you want, Cora? My attention?"
"No-"
"This is the facade I'm talking about, the fake tough act. I know deep down you wish I was giving you my attention," He started to get even closer, his expression changing as his darkened eyes jumped across my suddenly surprised expression.
Say what now?
"That you wish you'd feel my touch..." I tensed, feeling his hands trace down my arm, him standing over me as I sat like a frozen statue. How the hell did he get so close to me so fast? "I know you want more..." he whispered out in a husky voice, inching his face so it was right in front of mine. His eyes kept my gaze on lockdown. "I know how much you-" His lips were mere inches from mine, the cool air brushing against my lips as I felt knots build in my stomach. "Wish," He exaggerated his words, voice velvety deep as he ducked his head and brushed his bottom lip against my earlobe. I released a gasp. "That you were mine..."
I didn't know how to move, breath, speak. Stupid, always hungry girl, move! Following my brains command, I flinched, nearly head-butting him.
I missed, unfortunately, but he was still startled nonetheless and stepped back, glancing at me with a shocked look.
Regaining my cool, I realised he was just trying to get into my head. To manipulate my mind and emotions so he could regain control over this situation. What made me even more annoyed was the fact that he thought I was as clueless enough he could get away with it. I, surprisingly, wasn't that dumb!
He was using his seductive ways to distract me, make me react with my bodies natural desires, all so he could probably pull away, shut me down and embarrass me. It was unfair how instinctively, I just wanted to run my hands down his body and let him do whatever he wants. Fucking stupid wolf link!
Thankfully, I had enough self restraint.
"Your manipulative words aren't going to make me confess lies," I said, impressed by my own words. He clearly wasn't expecting that remark.
I stood up, not that it made me feel any taller or powerful compared to his height and aura, but regardless, I jutted out my chin. "What I said is the truth. Believe it or not, but either way you shouldn't be bothered, you're the one who practically initiated us being seperate and nothing more." I quickly tried to remember other more clever things to add while I was at it. "Oh and, no hard feelings but I'd really prefer if you like, leave me alone." I patted his shoulder.
"Leave you alone..." He mumbled, a heavy frown on his face as he lifted his head and stared me in the eye. "You... I haven't..." for once, he was stumped. Then again, what could he say? That I was wrong? I'm not the one staring. I'm not the one pulling him into a classroom. I'm not the one starting fights.
Boo yeh bitch.
He regained his composure and shot me an icy glare. "I'm getting real fucking pissed at your attitude. Cora, didn't you realise by now that I can do whatever I want. Don't you dare ever tell me what to do again."
Here comes those stupid butterflies. Why? Why do they flutter their wings and fly into my stomach now? Of all times, it's when I'm being scolded by an asshole! Really?
I hadn't realised he was so close until I could smell his cologne and feel the heat radiating from him. "You wanna know something?" He growled, staring down at me with a menacing look. I gulped. "I won't leave you alone, because I want nothing more but to see you suffer under my actions, under my decisions, why? Because I can. Because I choose what I do, and I choose what you do. I can do anything I want, especially towards you and there's nothing you can do to stop me..." He breathed out, still glaring with that icy look. I wish that icy look would melt the butterflies away, but they were still there, causing knots in my stomach.
"You're..." I gulped and nervously added, "You're just saying that because your ego has been popped and you don't like being questioned and-"
"No," He cut me off. "I'm doing this because I'm in control."
His words sent shock through my body, and with it, a feeling I couldn't quite make sense of.
"And you're right," He continued, watching every trace of reaction on my face. "I don't like being questioned and I will not tolerate it, Cora." With a dark smirk lifting at the corner of his lips, he leisurely headed towards the doors. He glanced over his shoulder, a feeling of déjà vu washing over me as he snickered, eyeing my agape expression. "By the way, don't ever tell me to fuck off again."
He didn't even bother closing the door, simply strolled out the room with his hands shoved in his pockets.
How did he again manage to make me look like the desperate one? How can someone so easily twist a situation?
Fuck.
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• Author's comment •
Someone likes control.
❤️ 🌹
Uh oh.
SEVENTH CHAPTER: DONE!