Chapter 152

“Are you sure you’re ready to head back to campus?” Liam said through the phone. “It’s okay if you’re still feeling a bit under the weather. I don’t want you pushing yourself.”

I easily picked up the tone of worry in his voice from the second he answered the call. Even though Arthur was the one who spent the majority of the weekend with me, Liam never failed to check in on me through text or phone calls.

By the end of the weekend, I had decided that it would be best to head back to campus.

My chest filled with warmth, knowing that he was still concerned for me. I loved how much he cared for my well-being...As did Arthur. It was a bit strange having him around the house for the past couple of days. But after a little while, I had grown used to his presence.

Not to mention, that the two of us had made some decent headway when it came to clearing the air about our past. Arthur had gone through each of his little schemes with a thorough explanation for his reason.

Hell, he even went as far as to apologize for everything...But, only the things that pertain specifically to me.

Whenever Liam was brought into the conversation, Arthur had a tendency to lock up. I could tell that Arthur was still having a hard time accepting the double bond when it came to Liam. So I decided not to press on the matter.

What was important was that he and I established some sort of friendship at the foundation of our side of the bond. Granted, I’m fairly certain that Arthur was a bit puzzled by this but I just wasn’t at that emotional stage with him like I was with Liam.

Plus, I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that I’m technically meant to be with two guys as opposed to one.

“Yes, Liam. I’m sure,” I told him calmly. “I’m feeling a lot better than when I first arrived home. Arthur and I will be back within the hour.”

“Alright,” Liam conceded. “Let me know when you’re back.”

I grabbed my bag and made my way out to Arthur’s car. He gave me the same tentative look I knew that Liam was giving me through the phone.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked. “You know there’s no harm in staying here just a little longer.”

“I’m sure,” I told him.

I was not about to miss any more work than I had. But, that being said, I wasn’t exactly looking forward to dealing with all of the glares and muttered whispers once I got back. Arthur gave me a promising smile and said that he wouldn’t let things get out of hand.

Only time would tell, I supposed.

...

The second we got back to the dorm, I was immediately enveloped in a large hug from Bonnie who couldn’t believe I was already back. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay,” I answered. “I’m still a bit sore in my arms and legs but nothing too serious,” I explained. “Has anything happened while I’ve been gone?”

My stomach flipped with anticipation. Thankfully, Bonnie shook her head and returned to her laptop.

“Everyone is still coming off of parent weekend,” she commented. “But um...I’m not sure if anyone has mentioned this to you yet...There’s been another post update on that media account.”

Right then and there, I felt my heart sink in my chest. “What?” I gasped. “Show it to me.”

I needed to see it. Although a voice in the back of my mind was telling me otherwise, I needed to see what new photo this person managed to capture this time.

Bonnie gave me a look of hesitation before pulling up the account and turning her screen. My jaw hit the floor.

“Son of a bitch,” I hissed.

My mind began to race with panic. How could this have captured a picture of me shifting?!

I felt violated on a completely new level. Unfortunately, there was no time to try and figure out how to remedy the situation. Bonnie and I had to get to class.

And just as I expected, people were already turning their heads and openly glaring in our direction in shock. I should have been used to such a thing by now; however, because of that damn photo, I felt even worse.

I quietly slipped into English and fought back an overwhelming urge to snap at the next person who dared to look at me. A minute or two before the bell rang, Arthur slipped into the classroom and took his usual spot next to me.

“Why didn’t you tell me about the newest post?” I asked through my teeth.

Arthur shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “I wasn't trying to keep it from you. Of all the other shit that’s been going, it was the last thing that you needed to deal with.”

I bit back a snarl and tried to redirect my attention to the front of the class where Mrs. Shields began her lecture.

“For the next week and a half, you will all be split up into pairs and will be working on a special project to finish off our Shakespeare portion of the course,” she went on. “You and your assigned partner will be choosing one of Shakespeare's famous works and re-writing the ending that will ultimately change the direction of the plot.”

Arthur suddenly raised his hand. “Is there a chance we can switch partners?”

Mrs. Shields arched a brow and pursed her lips. “Surely, Miss. Belmont is capable of working with the partner that has been chosen for her, Mr. Winslow.”

What the fuck??

My brow drew together in utter confusion. Why the hell was I being called out for a question that Arthur had asked? Did this woman seriously think I was trying to get out working with someone?

There was a sharp flare of anger that raced through me.

Today was swiftly turning into such a cluster-fuck of a day, that it made managing my emotions nearly impossible. I was really beginning to regret coming back to campus.

A vicious, inhuman growl tore from my throat, causing the entire class to go stiff in their seats. Mrs. Shields gaped at me with wide eyes while her lips parted in shock.

I could feel the heat in my body rise, my muscles clenched and ached from that same soreness I’d been feeling all weekend. My breathing started to become a bit ragged. Goddamnit.

Oh, no. I can’t be losing control. Not here. Not now!

Arthur snaked a hand around my arm and hauled me out of my seat before anything else could happen. He quickly pulled us out of the classroom and didn’t stop until we were a good few feet away from the building entirely.

“Ella, you need to calm down.”

Each time I tried taking a breath, I felt the air seize in my lungs. It caused me to shake and gasp. “I-I’m trying,” I whimpered.

He brought his hands up to frame my face and held me close. “Look at me, that’s it,” he whispered. “You’re going to breathe with me when I say, understand? Ready? In...Out...In...Out.”

He repeated the process several times before I finally felt the pressure around my lungs ease. The corners of my eyes prickled with tears. “Coming back here was a mistake.”

“No, it wasn’t. You will learn how to control your wolf, Ella. I promise.”

Again, I wanted to believe him. Thank God Arthur had been around to stop things from progressing.

Had he not been there, there’s no telling what I would have done.