Mysterious mate to the lycan prince (Addison and Max) novel Chapter 4

**The Crimson Oath — Bryan Foster**
**Chapter 4**

**Addison**

As I drew closer to the imposing front doors of Blackbolt High, a wave of familiar voices greeted me. Students exchanged casual hellos, their words swirling around me like leaves caught in a gentle breeze. Yet, with each greeting, I felt an increasing sense of awkwardness settle in my chest. It wasn’t merely the overwhelming atmosphere of the school; my thoughts were consumed by Max. It wasn’t just his striking features that captivated me; it was everything about him—the way he carried himself, the confidence that radiated from him like a beacon.

What was the true prize in this competition if not the scholarship? Why did he possess such an inherent authority? And how could he make the very ground tremble beneath him with that powerful landing? My curiosity was insatiable, a fire that refused to be extinguished.

I might have been tempted to withdraw from the competition to avoid clashing with Ruby, but the allure of the challenge was too enticing. I craved the opportunity to grow stronger, to prove myself. So, I decided then and there—screw everything else. I was in.

With my chin held high, I strode through the bustling hallway, the whispers of admiration trailing behind me.

“Addison was incredible yesterday.”

“I know! It’s unbelievable how quickly she healed!”

Choosing to ignore the murmurs, I made my way to my locker, eager to retrieve a few books for my next class. Just as I swung the door open, a soft, feminine voice broke through my thoughts. I recognized the sweet scent of her perfume before even turning around.

“Hey, Addison,” Gina greeted, her tone cheerful yet tinged with a hint of nervousness.

“Hey!” I replied, a smile breaking across my face as I closed my locker.

“Uh… how are you?” she asked, her smile awkward as she juggled a lunch bag in one hand.

“I’m good! And you?”

“Oh, I’m great,” she chuckled, a nervous edge to her laughter.

“Cool,” I nodded, feeling a strange mix of excitement and awkwardness. Gina and I had never really talked before, and this was uncharted territory for me.

“So… I just wanted to thank you for what you did for me yesterday,” she said, her voice earnest.

“You’re welcome. It was nothing, really,” I replied, trying to downplay my actions.

“Are you kidding? I honestly don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t stepped in to defend me. I must sound like such a coward right now. I wish I could be like you—so strong and brave.”

“You can be,” I assured her, feeling a surge of encouragement for my new friend.

“I just don’t have the guts,” she admitted, her eyes downcast. “To show my appreciation, I made this for you.” She extended her hand, revealing the lunch bag with a hopeful smile.

“Thanks, but you really didn’t have to,” I said, feeling a bit overwhelmed.

“Please, just accept it. I worked hard to make this for you. They might not be gourmet, but I gave it my all.”

With a sigh, I took the lunch bag from her. “Thank you.”

“Can we be friends?” she asked, her voice soft as she nervously played with a strand of her hair, her gaze fixed on the floor.

“Sure!” I nodded firmly, a warmth spreading through me at the thought of having a new friend.

“Really?” Her eyes sparkled with delight as she looked up at me.

“Of course!”

“We still have a few minutes before class starts. Tell me all about you! All I know is that you’re planning to enter the Warrior Selection Competition.”

“Yup,” I replied, feeling a sense of camaraderie growing between us.

Our conversation flowed surprisingly well, and I found myself sharing bits about my life while carefully avoiding anything too personal.

Just as the clock ticked down to two minutes before class, Ruby and her entourage burst through the front doors, instantly silencing the hallway. It was a rare moment of stillness that sent a shiver down my spine.

With her head held high, Ruby strutted in, an egotistical smile plastered on her face as she surveyed the crowd. But something was off. The usual adoration she commanded was absent today.

Before her arrival, hushed whispers filled the air, discussing her recent public humiliation at Dylan’s hands.

I could feel Gina’s heart racing as Ruby and her crew approached us.

“Calm down. I won’t let her hurt you,” I assured Gina, stepping protectively in front of her.

Ruby’s eyes locked onto me, and she quickened her pace, her crew trailing closely behind.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t the two losers,” Ruby sneered, halting right in front of me.

“What do you want?” I sighed, irritation bubbling beneath the surface.

“Don’t think that just because you’re the daughter of an Alpha, you’re special. You’re still a nobody,” she retorted, her tone dripping with disdain.

As she spoke, her crew murmured in agreement, but their lack of conviction was palpable.

Her eyes narrowed, arms crossed defiantly. “Yesterday is gone, and now you’re all alone and unprotected. Who’s going to save you now?”

With a smirk, I shot back, “No one, not even my brother, who rejected you.”

The hallway erupted in suppressed laughter, causing Ruby to shoot daggers at everyone around her.

“Shut the hell up before I have you all expelled!” she bellowed, her voice laced with fury.

Ignoring her threats, I turned to close my locker, but she grabbed my shoulder, attempting to spin me around. I stood my ground, my feet firmly planted to the floor, refusing to budge.

As she struggled to assert her dominance, the laughter in the hallway only grew louder.

“You can’t seem to forget about Max,” Saga teased, her voice echoing in my mind.

“That’s not true,” I shot back, scribbling notes with a fervor that belied my distraction.

She chuckled softly. “You know you can’t lie to me. I’m part of you, and I feel everything you feel.”

“I’m just trying to focus on the lesson here,” I insisted, desperate to regain my composure.

“No, you’re not. You’re still thinking about him.”

Suddenly, a different voice echoed in my mind, cutting through my thoughts like a knife. “Addison, we need to talk.”

I recognized Saga’s voice, but this was different—this was an unfamiliar presence. I tried to dismiss it as a figment of my imagination, but the voice persisted, more insistent this time.

“Addison, it’s Madge.”

I furrowed my brow, lowering my head to hide my confusion. Madge? The witch who had sealed Saga away? Why was she intruding in my mind?

“Can you hear me?” she asked, her tone urgent.

“Yes, I can hear you,” I replied mentally, my heart racing.

“It’s crucial that I speak to you in person, and this can’t wait. It’s about Saga.”

**Chapter 4**

Though I was taken aback by my ability to communicate with Madge, panic surged through me at the realization that I couldn’t feel Saga’s presence.

Where was she?

“What have you done to Saga?” I demanded, my voice trembling with fear.

“Calm down. She’s still with you. My presence is simply stronger right now. I truly need to speak to you.”

A wave of relief washed over me. “Then I’ll meet you after this last lesson for the day.”

“There are things you need to know about Saga. Meet me as soon as you leave this classroom. Until then, I won’t allow you two to communicate.”

A chill ran down my spine at the thought of being cut off from Saga. She had been my companion for so long that this sudden shift left me feeling incomplete. I reached out mentally, but all I found was silence and emptiness.

I kept glancing at the clock, counting down the seconds until the bell would signal the end of class.

Even as I tried to concentrate on the lesson, my mind raced with questions and fears. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing her.

As soon as the lesson concluded, I bolted from my seat, racing toward our agreed meeting spot with Madge, my heart pounding with anticipation for what she had to reveal about Saga.