"Lira... tell me something. Is it true what they say about her?"
Her brows knit. "About Heidi?"
He nods slowly. "The accusations."
He lets the word come out with disdain, as though it’s beneath him but worth confirming. When he heard she had beaten up the NAY boys’ sisters, he’d been pleased. She was dealing with the sisters of their rivals while Lira is nothing but one.
Lira smirks, lips curving like a cat about to play with a mouse. "What do you think?"
He arches a brow. "I think you’ll tell me anyway."
She makes a short gurgle sound. "Of course it’s true. Heidi is more slutty than anyone realizes. And Sierra has evidence. Evidence of who the boyfriend is. She said she’ll show everyone on Monday."
That stops Morgan short. A strange tightness coils in his chest.
Evidence? A boyfriend? Heidi?
No. It doesn’t fit. He knows how to read people—always has. It’s a survival skill, honed since the night he crouched behind the staircase, listening to Tobias and Rayne speak of "the boy" who was not theirs. Of Alyssa who was sold by them and perceived to be dead. Of how the Alpha had to accept the twin sisters who had made a vow to marry the same man since they were little. However, the twins were rogues whom Tobias was supposed to kill in battle but spared because his wolf cried ’mate’ at the first sighting of Rayne. Of how Rayne begged him to accept her sister too even though the pack council had made it known that they’d never accept a rogue as Luna.
Of how Tobias eventually convinced them and how they grudgingly accepted Rayne. How Tobias couldn’t look them in the eyes and tell them he’s got two rogues pregnant and not just one. How he convinced Rayne to agree to selling her sister to the fairy servant system and steal her child.
That night taught him that everyone lies—but it also taught him how to spot the cracks.
And Heidi doesn’t crack like that. A sensual video? Sent to a boy? Already, when she’s fated to them? Claimed by him and Grayson? No. It doesn’t add up. Where and when did she get the liberty to date someone else?
Something is wrong.
He masks his suspicion with a slow smile. "Interesting."
But inside, Luke snarls. "Must definitely be a trap. Someone is setting her up."
For once, Morgan agrees with his wolf. And worse, the trap could ruin everything before Morgan has the chance to ruin it himself.
"If she’s being framed, then someone else is moving pieces on our board. That won’t stand." Luke pipes in.
Damn right it won’t, Morgan agrees. He still needs to use Heidi to make his half-brothers jealous out of their minds.
Hence, he makes a decision internally. He’ll investigate this whole case thoroughly. He won’t let Lira or Sierra or anyone else dictate the truth about Heidi—not just because he cares about her, he tells himself... but because he needs her just as she needs him.
She’ll soon come to realize he’s all that she needs. Not Amias, Darien, or Grayson... just him. He has a world planned to lay at her feet. One his brothers can never achieve even in their wildest dreams.
Aloud, he sighs and says, "Well then. We’ll see what Sierra parades on Monday. Until then..." He steps back, straightening his shirt as if dismissing the subject. "My brothers and I are leaving for home tonight."
Lira’s face falls for a little while before it brightens again with forced cheer. "I’m leaving with my brothers too."
"Then we’ll see each other Monday," Morgan winks.
But she shakes her head vigorously. "I’m coming to the Alpha’s estate on Sunday, to see Daphne. Maybe we’ll..."
What the fuck?
Before she can finish, Morgan’s hand snaps out, grabbing her by the neck. Veins shoot up on his forehead as anger splits his face. Does this girl have to be so stupid all the time?
"Lira. Remember what I told you. When we’re with others, you don’t speak to me more than necessary. No glances, no secrets, no slips. Do you understand?" He bellows silently, gnashing his teeth like he just might snap her back.
Her eyes widen as she struggles to catch her breath. She nods quickly. "Y-yes. I understand."
"Good girl." He releases her slowly, like a predator unclenching its jaw from a kill. Then he smirks, kisses her cheek with false sweetness, and strides to the door.
The hinges groan again, tattling on him as he leaves. Behind him, Lira stands trembling in the moonlight, already dreaming of her crown and forgetting about how she almost couldn’t breathe seconds ago.
And Morgan walks away, mind blazing with one thought:
Monday will tell him what game Sierra is playing. And if Heidi is truly the fool they say she is, or the key to burning all his brothers’ worlds to ash.
.
.
He heads back to their suite, the night biting faintly at his skin with that crisp, minty chill that always comes before a weekend storm. The campus paths are thinning out now; most students are dragging their luggage toward the gates, eager to escape the academy before curfew. A girl waves at him as he passes—a nervous, fluttery thing who trips over her own suitcase handle, and Morgan flashes her that slow, lazy grin that could convince angels to sin. She blushes crimson.
Whatever.
He doesn’t slow down. The air smells faintly of wet stone and pine, the soft glow of street lights pooling against the cobblestone walkways like honey spilled across the dark. His shoes hit the path in even, confident strides, his hands tucked into his pockets while his mind replays the satisfaction of the conversation he’s just walked away from.
Lira had melted right where he wanted her. She always did.
And for the first time that day, his head feels clear. Or, at least, clear enough to think about the next problem—Heidi.
He shakes the thought off for now and lets himself enjoy the walk. The campus is unusually quiet, which makes the distant laughter spilling from the private housing block stand out. Two of the NAY boys are leaning against the pillars near the entrance, laughing too loudly, throwing small stones at a sign that says Quiet Hours.
It makes Morgan wonder how they must feel, knowing that a newbie has beaten their pompous and weak baby sisters like a pack of ants.
"Hahaha! Oh, Heidi. I love you."