CHAPTER 13: UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER
1044words
Saturday morning dawned bright and cold. I was huddled under my blankets, pretending to be deathly ill while my stomach growled loud enough to wake the dead.
My "stomach bug" excuse had worked perfectly last night, but I'd forgotten one critical flaw: actual food. I'd been so focused on avoiding Dominic that I hadn't stocked up on provisions.
I glanced at my phone: 7:23 AM. The cafeteria would be serving breakfast, and on weekends, it stayed open late for students who preferred to sleep in. Most importantly, Dominic would likely still be asleep or meeting with faculty at this hour. The chances of running into him were minimal.
My stomach growled again, making the decision for me.
I dressed quickly in a hoodie, pulling the hood up to partially obscure my face. After applying extra scent neutralizer, I slipped out into the empty hallway.
The cafeteria was nearly deserted—just a few early risers scattered among the tables. I grabbed a tray and loaded it with enough food to last the day: muffins, fruit, sandwiches, and water bottles.
"Planning for the apocalypse, Silver?"
I nearly dropped my tray. Carter stood behind me, eyeing my mountain of food with a smirk.
"Just hungry," I replied, keeping my voice steady.
"Heard you were sick. Miraculous recovery?"
"Still sick. Just needed food." I forced a weak cough.
Carter leaned closer, sniffing. "You smell... different today."
My heart rate doubled. "New soap."
"Interesting timing, getting sick right when Dominic Blackwood arrives. Almost like you're avoiding him."
"Why would I avoid someone I've never met?"
"That's what I'm wondering." Carter's smile was predatory. "Maybe you have something to hide."
Before I could respond, Noah appeared at my side.
"Morning, Ari. Carter." Noah positioned protectively between us. "Feeling better?"
"A little," I said gratefully.
Carter looked annoyed at the interruption. "We'll continue this conversation later, Silver." He moved past us with a final suspicious glance.
"Thanks," I whispered to Noah.
"Smart move," Noah said quietly. "Dominic's been asking questions about new students. Especially transfers from the Western territories."
My mouth went dry. "How do you know?"
"I work in administration part-time. Heard him talking to the registrar yesterday." Noah helped me arrange my food. "We should get this back to your room."
We had just paid when the cafeteria doors swung open.
Time slowed as Dominic Blackwood walked in, flanked by Headmaster Grayson and faculty members. He was taller than Damon, with the same striking blue eyes but harder features. His dark hair was cut short, emphasizing a strong jawline dusted with stubble. He carried himself with the unmistakable authority of an Alpha in his prime.
My nightmare in the flesh.
"This way," Noah murmured, guiding me toward a side exit. "Don't look back."
We were almost to the door when a loud crash made everyone turn. Carter had "accidentally" knocked over a chair, drawing all eyes—including Dominic's—in our direction.
Our gazes locked for one terrible moment. I saw his nostrils flare, his eyes narrowing as he stared at me.
"Mr. Blackwood," Headmaster Grayson said, recapturing Dominic's attention. "About those security positions..."
Noah pulled me through the side door. We hurried across the quad, not speaking until we reached the dormitory stairwell.
"That was close," Noah said.
I leaned against the wall, legs weak. "Do you think he recognized me?"
The words escaped before I could stop them. Noah's eyes widened but didn't look surprised.
"I don't think so. But he definitely noticed you."
"I mean—"
"Don't," Noah cut me off gently. "You don't have to pretend. Not with me."
"I don't know what you're talking about," I insisted weakly.
Noah's smile was sad and knowing. "Like I said yesterday, Ari. Takes one to know one."
At my door, Noah hesitated. "Can I come in? There's something I need to tell you."
Curious, I let Noah in. After setting down the food, I found Noah looking more nervous than I'd ever seen.
"What I'm about to tell you, I've never told anyone at this academy."
"You don't have to—"
"I do. Because you need to know you're not alone." Noah took a deep breath. "I know you're Princess Aria of the Silver Moon Pack. And I know you're a girl pretending to be a boy."
My blood ran cold. "How—"
"Because I'm doing the same thing. My real name is Nora. I've been living as Noah for three years."
I stared, uncomprehending. "You're a girl?"
Noah nodded. "Female Omegas aren't allowed certain careers. We're expected to mate young, have pups. I wanted more—to be a strategist, work in diplomacy. So I became Noah."
"How did you know about me?"
"Your scent. The neutralizer doesn't completely mask it to someone who knows what to look for. I recognized what you were doing from your first day."
I sank onto my bed, mind reeling. "Does anyone else know?"
"No. But with Dominic here and Carter getting suspicious, you need an ally who understands what's at stake."
Relief washed through me. "Thank you for trusting me."
"We girls in disguise have to stick together." Noah's expression turned serious. "There's something else. The hockey championship is next weekend—Dominic never misses it. And Damon is team captain. You won't be able to avoid it without raising suspicions."
My stomach dropped. "Great."
"We have a week to prepare. I've survived three years of high-profile events." Noah stood. "For now, stay in your room. I'll text you Dominic's movements."
"Why are you helping me?"
"Because you're not alone anymore."
After Noah left, I sat surrounded by smuggled food, mind spinning. I had an ally who truly understood. But I also had a new problem: the hockey championship.
My phone buzzed: *Dominic touring facilities until noon. Library 1-3. Dinner 7PM. Stay clear. -N*
Another buzz: *Carter watching your door. Be careful. -N*
I sighed and settled back. It was going to be a long weekend.
