"What do you expect from a slut? Shamelessness is her second skin."
"Ew~ She's disgusting!"
Whispers slithered through the crowded hallway, growing louder as Evangeline passed. Their gazes followed her, hungry, scornful, amused—crawling over her skin like ants on spilled sugar.
It was the last day of her heat cycle. The day she'd put on a free show that everyone seemed eager to watch.
"Isn't she already mated? Why are her pheromones still this strong?"
"Obviously. Because she's a horny whore! Hahaha~"
The girls, probably juniors, giggled behind her, worsening her already foul mood.
A year ago, Evangeline had been mated and marked by the strongest werewolf of their generation. Still, nothing changed. Her pheromones stayed wild, impossible to suppress. They were unimaginably intoxicating, turning her into a walking scandal—the Lunaris Pack's biggest disgrace.
Some said it was because she was wolfless. Others claimed she was a witch reborn, doomed never to be satisfied with just one mate. And then some whispered this was punishment—a cruel consequence of rejecting her fated mate.
Everyone had their theories.
None had a fucking solution!
Heat coiled in Evangeline's belly like a snake, the ache between her legs intensifying with each step. But the worst part? A mere brush of an elbow, a shoulder grazing hers—any slight touch sent unwanted shivers through her body. Some bumped into her on purpose, snickering when she nearly squirmed.
Evangeline hated it. Hated how her body betrayed her. Hated that no matter how hard she tried to stay composed, she still reacted like weak, fragile prey. But fortunately, no one dared take it further. She was still their Alpha's daughter. Useless, but his only child.
"Ugh, why is she even here? She's totally gonna ruin the night."
Another grumbled as Evangeline reached the auditorium. It was Lunaris University's 21st Annual Day—a night of celebration for everyone but her.
Normally, Evangeline would never attend such events. And during her heat cycle? She'd be locked in her room, swallowing suppressants like an addict, waiting for hell to pass. But someone had stolen her entire supply and left a message: Come here if you want them.
So here she was. Vulnerable and desperate for those drugs. Because without them, she wouldn't survive the night unscathed.
Evangeline pushed into the auditorium, weaving through the crowd to the chaotic backstage area. Her gaze swept the room and landed on a trio near the vanity. Taking a breath, she walked toward them.
"Oh, look who finally showed up," one girl sneered.
Evangeline ignored the stares. "Give me my meds," she said flatly.
Vallienne, seated like royalty with two girls on either side, finally looked up from her phone. Her bored eyes lit up with amusement, a smirk curling on her caked-up face.
"What's the rush, Lily?" Vallienne cooed sweetly.
She was the university's golden girl. An angelic voice, a perfect face. But to Evangeline, she was a snake. A former best friend turned full-time bully after everything fell apart two years ago.
"Give it back while I'm still being nice, Vallienne," Evangeline warned.
But the more she tried to stay calm, the more her scent spiraled out of control, flooding the air like thick fog. Even those meters away could smell it: dark berries and wild musk. Too heady, too thick, too impossible to ignore.
"Ugh," one of Vallienne's minions gagged. "Her attitude's worse than her weird heat. I don't know how Johan puts up with her."
Evangeline's nails dug into her palms. Just hearing his name made her stomach flip, her knees growing weak.
Gritting her teeth, she looked around before rushing toward the vanity. All eyes turned to her, watching as she rummaged through drawers like a starving stray rifling through garbage.
"Right?" the other girl laughed. "Johan deserves better. I wonder why he hasn't rejected her yet."
Evangeline barely blinked. She was used to the insults. But the next comment struck deeper.
"Who would want to let go of a whore who's always ready to spread her legs wide?"
Vallienne commented, just loud enough for everyone backstage to hear.
The students around burst into laughter, nodding in agreement.
Smirking at Evangeline's back, Vallienne added, "Maybe she's really good in bed, and that's what's stopping him."
Evangeline sucked in a breath, her fingers clenching the drawer. They'd crossed the line.
Turning around, she stared at Vallienne. "And what about you, Vally?" she asked, silencing the crowd. "Why hasn't your secret mate marked you yet?"
Vallienne's smirk faltered, a flicker of fear settling in her eyes at that unsettling question.
Evangeline smiled coldly and continued, "Ah… I guess you're not that good in bed. Maybe that's what's stopping him."
The room fell dead silent for a moment before it shattered. Many laughed out loud—this time at Vallienne. Evangeline might've lost everything, but not her sharp tongue—too sharp for her own good.
Vallienne's face reddened, her perfect facade cracking. Even after turning twenty-one, Vallienne hadn't found her mate yet, and many had started to wonder if something was wrong with her. A few days ago, she'd claimed she found her mate. But no one had seen him. Rumors had begun. And now? Evangeline's jab fanned those flames.
"You bitch!" Cassandra lunged. Rosemary, the other minion, joined her, and without warning, she punched Evangeline in the stomach.
Evangeline staggered back in pain. She collapsed, her body curling instinctively as more kicks rained down.
Gasps echoed, and the crowd hesitated. Without her wolf, Evangeline was too weak to fight even these mere omegas. So, having a voice didn't mean shit when your fists couldn't follow through.
Many pitied the poor girl crawling on the ground, broken and alone. But none dared to help—afraid of turning into Vallienne's next prey.
Vallienne watched with a quiet smile. But she wasn't satisfied. Not until she heard a cry—or better, Evangeline begging her to stop and forgive.
"Take her to the stage," she mindlinked Rosemary.
Rosemary grabbed Evangeline's arm roughly. When she winced, fighting to free herself, Cassandra grabbed her other arm, and the two of them dragged her to the main stage.
Thud.
The guests gasped as Evangeline was thrown onto the cold floor. The staff rose to intervene—but sat right back down when Vallienne took center stage.
Another sharp kick landed against Evangeline's stomach. Then another. And another. She choked on a breath, barely able to push herself up. Her body was aching, screaming at her, but she had no strength.
"Get up!" Rosemary sneered. "Stop acting like it hurts, bitch!"
Vallienne took out a bottle from her pocket. With a smirk, she flicked open the lid and dropped the capsules. Her minions stopped at the sound. Evangeline sighed inwardly, thinking it was finally over—but when her eyes caught the green capsules, her body tightened with need.
She scrambled toward them, her trembling fingers clawing the stage. Just as she reached one, Vallienne stepped forward—her heel pressing down right on her palm.
Evangeline winced as sharp pain burst in her hand. Vallienne pressed harder, the thin stiletto stabbing into her skin. Blood welled up instantly, seeping between her fingers. She bit her lip to keep from crying out.
The chairman looked away, the terrified guests murmured among themselves, and the teachers' gazes dropped. No one stopped it. Because she was Evangeline. And many believed she deserved it.
Vallienne bent down and grabbed a fistful of Evangeline's hair. She yanked it back, forcing her to meet her gaze. A smile curled her lips at the sight of tears in her best friend's eyes.
"Oh, poor Lily," Vallienne clicked her tongue. "Beg, and maybe I'll let you go."
Evangeline exhaled, her fingers twitching under Vallienne's heel. She slowly smirked, causing Vallienne to frown.
"In your dreams, whore," Evangeline hissed, her voice shaky—before she spat on Vallienne's face.
Gasps echoed around them, and a few teachers shook their heads. She was foolishly brave.
Vallienne fumed in rage and let go of Evangeline. Her minions instantly rushed forward to wipe her face.
"You disgusting little—" Vallienne raised her hand. But before she could slap, a voice echoed through the hall.
"What the hell is happening here?"