Mysterious mate to the lycan prince (Addison and Max) novel Chapter 16

**Chapter 16**

**Addison**

The moment Principal Murphy’s commanding voice echoed through the hallway, signaling us to enter, Ruby effortlessly swung the door open, her demeanor utterly calm. In stark contrast, my heart raced like a wild drum, uncertainty flooding my mind as I hesitantly closed the door behind me, swallowing hard. What awaited us on the other side was a mystery shrouded in anxiety.

Principal Murphy sat behind his desk, engrossed in a pile of documents, his pen gliding across the paper with an unsettling precision. Not once did he lift his gaze to acknowledge our presence, an act that felt more intimidating than any reprimand he could have issued.

Ruby, without waiting for permission, sauntered over to the plush sofas tucked away in a corner of the office. She settled in with a casual grace, crossing her legs as if she were lounging in her own living room. I watched, feeling a mix of admiration and irritation. How could she be so unfazed?

With a sudden pause, Principal Murphy finally raised his head, his eyes locking onto Ruby. I braced myself, expecting a sharp reprimand for her audacity, but instead, he merely returned to his paperwork, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face.

Then his gaze shifted to me, and I felt a chill run down my spine. The glare he directed my way was far more intense than anything he had shown Ruby, and it sent my anxiety spiraling. I had attended several schools, but none had a figure as formidable as him. The very air around him felt charged with authority, while Ruby seemed to navigate it with a nonchalance that baffled me.

“Sit down,” he instructed, his voice clipped and slightly menacing.

I took a seat beside Ruby on the sofa, deliberately leaving a wide gap between us, unable to bear the smug look plastered on her face. It was painfully clear that she felt no fear in this situation, while I was a bundle of nerves.

This should have been the moment when Principal Murphy explained the reason for our summons, yet he continued to scribble away, seemingly oblivious to the tension. Frustration bubbled within me, propelling me to speak up.

“Could you please clarify why we’re here? Class is about to start,” I ventured, my voice trembling slightly.

“Forget about class for now,” he snapped, dismissing my concern.

“But why are—”

“Silence. You will only speak when granted permission. For now, remain quiet,” he interrupted, his tone brooking no argument.

Ruby let out a loud, mocking laugh, and I braced myself for a reprimand directed her way. Instead, he shot her a sharp glance but returned to his documents, ignoring her entirely. My heart raced with confusion and dread. What was the purpose of this meeting? Why was I the only one feeling the weight of impending doom?

Minutes dragged on, each tick of the clock amplifying my unease, until the door swung open once more. In walked Mr. Hawkins, Ruby’s father, and my eyebrows shot up in surprise. His presence transformed the atmosphere instantly; he exuded an air of authority that felt almost oppressive.

“Welcome, Sir,” Principal Murphy stammered, scrambling to his feet. The shift in his tone was palpable, now dripping with respect. “Please, have a seat.”

Mr. Hawkins settled into the sofa opposite us, his imposing figure now directly facing Ruby and me. “I have urgent matters to attend to, so let’s make this quick,” he said, directing his attention to Ruby.

Ruby straightened, a smirk playing on her lips as she cleared her throat. It dawned on me that she had orchestrated this meeting. Did she simply waltz up to the principal and demand an audience?

Barely a minute had passed since Mr. Hawkins entered, and already he was glancing impatiently at his watch. I had only encountered him twice since starting at Blackbolt High, and he was one of the most intimidating figures I had ever encountered. Hearing him speak now, every word dripped with authority, overshadowing even Principal Murphy’s presence.

“Dad.” Ruby finally broke the silence, her expression shifting as she glared at me. “This is Addison. A few days ago, she and her brother embarrassed me, and then over the weekend, she physically attacked me. Thankfully, I heal quickly, but she’s been making my life miserable, and I can’t take it any longer.”

Her dramatic display, burying her face in her hands, was a pathetic attempt to garner sympathy.

My jaw dropped in disbelief, the blatant lies spilling from her lips striking me like a slap.

Desperate to defend myself, I turned to Mr. Hawkins. “Sir—”

“Shut it,” he commanded, raising a finger to silence me. “My daughter isn’t finished. You’ll have your turn, and trust me, you’ll get what’s coming to you.”

With that, Ruby resumed her tale, “As I was saying, Addison attacked me over the weekend. Even Principal Murphy was shocked at how it looked like she was going to kill me. She aimed to end my life. I was so grateful he was there to stop her.”

I shot a glance at Principal Murphy, remembering that he had left before our confrontation escalated outside, but I knew he had been watching from his window. Surely, he wouldn’t let her lie go unchallenged. My heart raced with hope that he would speak up for me.

He glanced between Ruby and me before finally saying, “Everything Ruby has just said is true.”

“What? That’s not true at all!” I exclaimed, shooting to my feet, disbelief coursing through me.

“Sit down!” Principal Murphy barked, forcing me back into my seat.

“How dare you hurt my daughter? Do you know who I am in Raven Mist?” Mr. Hawkins rose, his eyes glowing a fierce red.

The intensity of his gaze made it feel as though he might strike me down, while Principal Murphy watched, seemingly indifferent.

“S-Sir—”

“Not another word from you. Considering my status in this town, whatever happens here is confidential. You’ll think twice before you ever hurt my daughter again.”

I glanced at the distance between my seat and the door, weighing my options. He smirked, the menace in his expression sending shivers down my spine.

“Try reaching for that door, and watch how quickly I’ll close the distance between us,” he warned, his tone laced with danger.

Though my abilities might give me an edge, the risk of failure loomed large. I gripped the sides of my dress, desperately searching for a way out of this predicament.

Then, summoning my courage, I took a chance with my next words, even as he towered over me. “As an Alpha, you understand what true leadership means. You mentioned I would have a chance to speak. It’s only fair that you hear my side. If you refuse, I will lose all respect for you.”

“Speak,” he growled, his voice barely above a whisper.

Though I had managed to get through to him, his imposing presence did little to ease my anxiety.

“Could you please take a seat?” I asked, my voice wavering slightly.

“Dad, don’t listen to anything she has to say,” Ruby interjected, desperation creeping into her tone.

“Quiet,” he commanded, silencing her with a single word.

“It won’t change the outcome, so don’t listen to—”

“Don’t make me repeat myself.” His voice was low, a dangerous growl that sent a chill through the room.

When he finally lowered himself back into his seat, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

“I’m listening. So, speak,” he urged, his demeanor still intimidating.

“When I first arrived at this school, everyone assumed I was a wolfless Omega, and I faced relentless bullying, particularly from Ruby and her friends. I endured in silence until I finally decided to stand up for myself a few days ago. I was merely trying to protect a friend who had become Ruby’s new target when she attacked me. That was the moment everyone realized I wasn’t a wolfless Omega but the daughter of an Alpha. Did she tell you about her mate?”

“Mate?” Mr. Hawkins asked, his interest piqued.

“Ruby found her mate that day, and it was my older brother. He rejected her, unable to tolerate her behavior towards me, and she wasn’t his type. That’s when she decided to make me pay for it.”

Mr. Hawkins clenched his jaw, his gaze darting between Ruby and me, urging me to continue.

“Over the weekend, Ruby attempted to attack me again, still bitter, and we ended up outside with witnesses. It should have been a fair fight, but I had the upper hand due to my training. My skills far exceed what she practices at home with her equipment. That’s why she brought us here and fabricated this entire story. Principal Murphy, how could you betray me like this?”

“What are you accusing me of?” Principal Murphy wiped sweat from his brow, clearly unnerved.

“We’re done here.” Mr. Hawkins rose, smoothing the lapels of his jacket with a finality that left no room for argument.

As he strode out, Ruby followed closely behind, shooting me a glare that could have burned through steel, her fingers raised in a defiant middle finger.

I rolled my eyes, relieved that her scheming had backfired.

Principal Murphy, visibly shaken, loosened his necktie, his agitation evident.

“What are you still doing here? Get to class!” he barked at me.

I shook my head lightly, having lost all respect for him in that moment.

The hallways felt eerily empty as I made my way to class, and despite the calm that washed over me, a nagging discomfort lingered. Where were Max and Tyler? Had they not arrived yet?

Lost in thought, I turned a corner and caught sight of Ruby and her father. She appeared to be receiving the scolding of her life through their mind link, her restlessness evident.

Suddenly, Mr. Hawkins pointed in my direction, issuing an instruction. “Now!”

Ruby flinched, her face contorting in anger as they both began to approach me.

“You both need to be in class, so hurry up, Ruby,” he ordered.

“But—”

“We just discussed this. Don’t you dare try that attitude with me.”

She clenched her jaw, glaring at me as she crossed her arms, stopping just short of me.

“Uh… what’s going on?” I asked, my voice trembling slightly.

“My daughter owes you an apology,” Mr. Hawkins stated, his eyes narrowing.

Ruby sneered, “If you think I’m about to apologize to you, you’re mistaken. I know my dad will punish me regardless. That’s why I’m not saying anything!”

In a flash, she dashed past me, trying to escape, but a sudden snarl from Mr. Hawkins made her freeze, dropping to her knees. It was clear she was no longer in control, her wolf whimpering in submission, unable to withstand the force of an Alpha’s presence. Yet, even in her submission, her pride held her back from uttering an apology.

As he finally released her, she sprang out of the window, a roar echoing in the distance, clearly directed at me.

Mr. Hawkins sighed, his glowing eyes dimming. Despite the gentleness creeping into his tone, his demeanor remained intimidating.

“Ruby has never defied me until now,” he remarked, shaking his head.

“I didn’t expect her to apologize anyway. I’m just relieved you know the truth,” I replied, my voice steadying.

He stepped closer, scrutinizing my features with newfound interest. “Now that I look at you more closely, you truly are Stanley and Donna’s daughter.”

I gasped, a wave of surprise washing over me. “You know my mother too?”

He nodded, then waved dismissively with his hand. “That’s a story for another day. You need to get to class now.”

As he walked past me, I turned to watch his towering figure leave, a frustrated sigh escaping my lips. Why was it that neither my parents nor Mr. Hawkins wanted to elaborate on their history?