Bella's POV:
Stepping into the crowded hallway, I couldn't help but feel nervous. I've always hated crowded and public places, but I'm doing this for them. I turned back to check if they were following, but strangely, neither Noah nor Mia was behind me. I felt out of place—even though this was my university, I still hadn't gotten used to the overwhelming number of people. Maybe if I went to the cafeteria, I'd find them there waiting for me.
I walked through the crowd, looking down and focusing on my path. Memories from the morning came flooding back. His purple eyes were incredibly striking. His large frame made me feel trapped. I don't know him, but why does he feel familiar? I won't forget his rudeness, though. The hallway was even more crowded today. Is there an event or something going on? Well, I don't care—I'm just hungry. All of a sudden I bump into someone.
Jack's POV:
As I leave Knox to deal with his own problems, on my way out, I bump into a tiny girl. She had a sweet aroma around her—and oh my god, her scent was so intoxicating it could drive any alpha wild. From her dark red eyes, I knew she was an omega bunny. What a cute one.
I masked my emotions and looked at her, trying to keep things light. I couldn't concentrate on her apology. She was mesmerizing, long, silken rabbit ears twitching with every subtle sound, alert and expressive. Her tiny snow-white tail peeked out from beneath her hoodie, a plush puff of innocence that made her impossible to ignore. Honestly, I couldn't blame Knox for staring; even I felt the pull. I softened slightly as she apologized again, letting my voice come out calmer than I felt, replying,
"No worries, bunny. That bump was caused by a pretty popular person here. You see, all the girls are fighting over him."
I almost melted when she tilted her head in confusion. Her wide, innocent eyes looked at me, waiting for an explanation. Then she asked,
"Who?"
At that simple question, my eyes nearly popped out. I stared at her, utterly shocked. My small, rounded rhino ears twitched atop my head, betraying my disbelief. A girl this stunning doesn't know Knox? New here, maybe? How the hell am I supposed to answer that? Before I could stop myself, the words slipped out,
"You don't know him?!"
I asked, puzzled, only to be answered by her soft voice that made me die a little inside.
"I… really don't know him. Could you tell me about him?"
Her innocent request made my heart skip. I may be a big, heartless guy, but she's driving me crazy. I might even ask Knox to let me keep this ruby for myself.
I prepared the paragraph in my mind, cleared my throat, and said,
"Of course. Do you see that boy over there? That's Knox. What do you think of him—or do you know him?"
I point over to Knox through the crowd. I look at her, waiting for a reaction. Upon seeing him, her eyes widen. She answers with that beautiful voice of hers, but the response is unexpected.
"Oh, you mean that boy? What's so special about him?"
I was speechless for a moment, but then I thought to myself—That's actually a good question.
She's right. I am more handsome than he is, I say to myself jokingly.
My heart is beating fast, while a crazy idea pops into my head. I smirk and lean closer to her ear, whispering huskily,
"You find out, princess."
I felt her shiver under my breath. Grinning, I walk past her, leaving her standing there with wide eyes. I could even smell the surprise in that wine-sweet scent of hers. Knox was right—she smells like she's had a drink, but she doesn't seem like it.
Bella's POV:
After what felt like an eternity, he finally answered. My eyes widened as he leaned closer to my ear, and heat rushed to my cheeks. He smelled like sunflowers—calm and soothing. So different from Knox.
His breath fanned against my neck as he whispered huskily, and a shiver ran down my spine.
"You'll find out, princess."
My heart started beating so fast when he said that. I froze in place, replaying everything I had absorbed from this conversation. He is… popular yet rude. I didn't know you could even be popular at university. My father once told me to avoid alphas like that—they only bring mischief. His purple eyes glow from afar…
I look in his direction. Knox… if I'm not mistaken, that's a Scottish name but from English origins. I feel a tug in my heart. My eyes fall on the girls getting touchy with him. Without warning, I feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn around to see—
"Bella!"
I breathe a sigh of relief when I see Mia and Noah. Finally, my shoulders relax. However, from the corner of my eye, I see his ultramarine eyes still on me—like a hunter catching new prey. Our eyes meet, and another shiver runs down my spine. Flutters fill my stomach. I am definitely crazy. I break eye contact and turn to Mia, relaxing a bit as I say,
"Oh my god~ I've been looking for you!"
Despite my relief, I'm taken aback by her flushed face. My eyes narrow unconsciously—I'm more wary than concerned. I glance at Noah, who seems angry. That pair of hunter's eyes still burns into my back, but I try to ignore it.
"Are you okay?" I ask, concerned.
Noah laughs sarcastically. I look at him, confused by his weird attitude. He then says, annoyed,