Chapter 189

[Ella’s POV]

As frustrating as it was, none of us knew what to make of that prophecy business Bonnie had brought to our attention. It seemed to have fallen into that same category where I had placed the idea of being able to enhance an Alpha’s status.

We had no real idea if any of it was true or not.

But all mystical happenings aside, Eastwood had fallen into its most hectic time of the semester. Midterms. And if anyone was truly feeling the pressure—it was Liam.

Because of the ridiculous pressure that Aaron was putting on him, he was determined to score higher than Arthur.

“But none of that should matter now,” I tried reasoning.

Now that all three of us were aware of our connection and came to the solid conclusion that the trials the Winslows were putting them through were complete bullshit, there was no real reason for trying to outdo each other.

Even Arthur tried to explain to Liam that their parents had no real sway over them, that they should do their best and just forget about the trials. I knew it wasn’t about the grades or his GPA that was actually bothering Liam. It was all Aaron.

“I don’t like to think about what he will do if I end up failing,” Liam remarked.

He had a point.

Aaron had proven himself to be a man that wasn't afraid of risks or basic legalities since our last, unfortunate, encounter.

“For fuck’s sake, Ella, the man kidnapped you merely to ask you a few questions,” Liam hissed.

“Look, you’re not wrong...But even if, let’s say, you weren’t able to make the higher scores on your midterms...At the very worst, you and Arthur would then be tied with one another,” I explained. “Liam, Aaron might not do anything. If he’s somehow reached the same conclusion as Cecilia then why would he jeopardize anything?”

He nodded his head. “You may have a point.”

“So, you’re going to take your midterms and you’re going to do the best that you can.”

“I guess you’re right,” he muttered sheepishly.

I gave him an honest smile and promised to help him and Arthur study for their exams.

Although I wasn’t looking forward to having to deal with non-stop studying, I felt like a lot of the stress in the back of my mind had lessened. That horrible social media account had been taken down and Ava had been properly dealt with.

I was glad to find out that Olivia was only let off with a stern warning from the school. She had, after all, broken the school’s no-fighting policy. However, thanks to all of the video coverage, it was clear that Olivia hadn’t started the altercation but was coming to my defense.

I hoped from the darkest part of my heart that I would never have to endure Ava and her insanity again.

...

The week had been brutal.

I couldn’t remember a time I had felt so mentally drained. All the information from my study guides I had crammed into my head had leisurely been flowing out with each midterm I completed.

Everyone was walking around like literal, mindless zombies—drained, exhausted, and too ready for the long weekend ahead.

With what little energy I had left, I made my way out of my last midterm. My head was pounding from all the planning and thinking I’d been doing for the past five days.

All I wanted was a long, hot shower and to lay my head down on my pillow.

I’m so ready to not think for the next several days.

Right as I turned the corner to head back to my dorm, I was swiftly approached by Bonnie and Olivia who looked equally as exhausted.

“Hey,” I greeted them softly. “How were your last midterms?”

Olivia groaned while Bonnie gave me a wistful smile.

“Honestly, at this point, it is what it is,” she said.

I chuckled as the three of us continued back to the dorm.

“So, later we were thinking about heading off campus to celebrate the end of midterms,” Olivia mentioned. “I’ve already reached out to Arthur about it. He’s interested if you and Liam want to come along too.”

“Sure,” I said with a nod. “Are you thinking about heading to that one Italian place? I hear they make really good pizza.”

“Ooo, yes!” Bonnie squealed with excitement.

As the day went on, I was met with Arthur and Liam who looked three seconds away from collapsing.

“Jesus Christ,” Arthur snarled.

“Thank God that’s over.”

I was slightly hesitant to ask Liam how he thought he did on his exams. Instead, I told him about the group of us all heading out for pizza.

“Sounds good,” Liam said. “As long as I don’t have to think anymore.”

The three of us laughed and got ready to head off campus. Of course, the restaurant was packed by the time we made it in. Luckily, Olivia and Bonnie had made it in ahead of us and were able to reserve a table.

“Over here!” Olivia called out.

We put our orders in with the waitress and swiftly fell into a conversation about what everyone’s plans were for the summer. Olivia went on to talk about her family’s upcoming trip to Greece while Bonnie was planning on heading down to the beach house her cousin owned.

As I sat back in my chair, sitting peacefully between Liam and Arthur, I couldn't help the smile that crept across my face.

I couldn't remember the last time I felt so content and so...Normal.

Exams were over and I refused to think about those stupid trials or anything the Winslows had up their sleeves.

I couldn’t have been happier that Arthur and Liam were getting along and, dare I say, getting closer. There was no longer that strain of unspoken anger and resentment. A lot of it had been implanted in their minds but I was glad to see that they were able to think for themselves and grow beyond their parent’s opinions.

However, while I relished the warm feeling inside of me, I couldn’t help but feel a bit concerned. Once the school year was over, what did that mean for the three of us? Liam and I would still be able to see each other more frequently like we used to.

But what about Arthur?

Would he go back to the manor? To a house and a family that didn’t care or look out for his real interests?

The thought of not being able to see him often made me shudder.

Maybe, if I ran it through with Mom, she’d consider letting both of them stay at the house.

When we had all had enough pizza, we made our way back to campus. Both Liam and Arthur draped a loose arm around me.

The campus life seemed mild for a Friday night. Then again, my thoughts were that many had left for home after they finished through with their midterms.

Bonnie went on to talk about wanting to watch a movie back in our room when she suddenly stopped. The strange expression that had fallen over her face, had my brows pulling together in question.

“Bonnie?” I asked. “What’s wrong?”

She slowly raised her hand and pointed off to the side. “W-Who’s that?”

We all turned our heads and saw a horrible, cloaked figure that I shouldn’t have been surprised to see. Yet, there he was.

That goddamned hunter.

“Son of a bitch,” I hissed.