“Oh gods, no… no…” Derek chanted repeatedly, his heart hammering rapidly in his chest as he heard his little witch’s voice.

  “Are you going to answer me or stand there like an idiot?” she demanded.

  But he didn’t want to turn yet.

  Maru, what should I do?

  I don’t know. You started the war… you should end it, His wolf replied coldly.

  Derek already knew his wolf was angry with him. He had hurt their mate. But I had no choice.

  “Hey, bean head!” Emma called angrily, poking her finger at Derek’s back. “What did you say I am?” she asked, trying hard to mask the sting she felt from hearing his earlier remarks.

  A dunce? A leech? she scoffed internally, replaying the foul words. She was none of that.

  She didn’t know where he’d gotten his opinion from—and she didn’t care—but she was going to prove him wrong. No one stepped over her. No one. Ever.

  “Cut the crap out, leech.”

  Emma froze at the harsh voice and felt a hand swat her finger away from Derek’s back. She turned toward the sound and saw the blonde—the same one who had tried bullying her in the eatery. The one Melvina had called Claire.

  What’s that bitch doing here? Emma thought angrily. Her gaze darted from Derek, who had turned at the insult, to the blonde. A crazy thought hit her. Were they dating?

  The very idea made her blood boil.

  “Claire, calm down,” Clem said softly, trying to pacify the menace.

  Emma had forgotten he was even there.

  They had been talking earlier under the tall oak tree when she spotted Derek and a girl she couldn’t place. Something about the sight displeased her, though she couldn’t explain why.

  She’d told Clem it would be nice to go say hi to Derek—but her real reason was to interrupt whatever private conversation was happening under the sun’s warm gaze.

  Clem had agreed, albeit reluctantly. She noticed but didn’t care. She just wanted to stop the scene ahead that didn’t include her. They’d walked together until she reached the pair—and that was when she’d heard Derek’s remark.

  It had stung more than she’d expected, and she wasn’t proud of how much it hurt. He wasn’t worth it.

  “Okay, I think we should do some introductions here,” the blonde said suddenly.

  “I’m Claire,” she continued, twirling a lock of her long blonde hair around her finger.

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  “This is Clem… my brother.” She pointed at Clem, heavily emphasizing brother.

  Emma’s jaw dropped. “Your brother?” she croaked.

  “Yes, dunce. My brother,” Claire replied with a wicked grin. “We’re twins, actually.”

  Emma turned to look at Clem, who immediately tensed.

  He hadn’t mentioned having a sister when they’d talked about their families under the oak tree. Twins, even. The realization stung—a quiet betrayal.

  “And lastly, this is Derek… my boyfriend.” Claire concluded with a smug smile, trailing her fingers over Derek’s chest.

  Emma didn’t know why, but hearing that cut deeper than Clem’s lie. Her chest twisted painfully, and she hated that it did. She needed to leave—her morning shift would start soon anyway.

  She turned to walk away, strength drained by the cruel introductions, but a sharp tug on her arm stopped her. She didn’t need to guess who it was.

  Only a bitch would drag someone like that.

  “Hey!” she snapped, shoving Claire’s hand off her.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” Claire demanded.

  “Work,” Emma said flatly.

  “Well, introduce yourself. Or do you want me to do that for you?” Claire smirked. “It would be an honor.”

  Emma raised a brow. “Let’s see what you’ve got then.” Her tone was calm, but her curiosity was edged with defiance.

  “Alright then!” Claire squealed, rubbing her hands together in mock delight. Humans are so stupid.

  She had seen the human approaching with her twin earlier and had instantly sensed something. The human’s gaze lingered on Derek too long. Her jab earlier had been a test—one Derek hadn’t refuted.

  Oh, the joy when she saw the hurt flash across the human’s face. Priceless.

  It was obvious: the human had a crush on her Derek.

  She doesn’t know what’s coming for her, Claire thought darkly. No one steals Derek from me—not a weak, pathetic human. She decided to make this introduction short and cutting.

  “Well, guys, meet Emma. She is—”

  “Knock it off already, Claire,” Derek cut in sharply, glaring at her.

  Claire froze. What? Did that human already bewitch her Derek? If so, she’d have to kill her. No one took him away. No one.

  “Oh, shut it, bean head,” Emma snapped, stepping in. “Don’t act like you care now. Why not give your girlfriend a helping hand to introduce me better?”

  Derek’s chest tightened at her words. She was hurt—and it was his fault. He’d started this; now he had to end it.

  Stepping around Emma, he placed his hand gently on her shoulder, ignoring the glare from his beta and the gasp from Claire.

  “Hello, guys, this is Emma. My—”

  “His newest friend,” Shane interrupted smoothly, pinching Emma’s cheek, strolling past.

  Emma flushed crimson, though Shane couldn’t tell if it was from the pinch or Derek’s hand resting protectively on her shoulder. He suspected the latter.

  “Shane…” Derek called tiredly, though secretly relieved. He had almost introduced Emma as his mate.

  And what’s wrong with that? Maru whined in his head.

  Derek ignored him and turned toward his gamma, who now stood beside Clem. He noticed Claire was gone—probably stormed off after Shane’s interruption. Fine by him.

  “What are you doing here, man? I thought you didn’t have classes today,” Derek said, masking the warmth that came from Emma not shrugging his hand off.

  He drew her a little closer, ignoring the simmering anger in Clem’s eyes.

  “Yeah, yeah… I don’t. But—” Shane hesitated.

  “But what?” Derek asked.

  “Your father sent me to get you. Your uncle’s here,” Shane said finally, rubbing his forehead.