"No, I have already worked my way through these titles a few years ago," he responded warmly.
Mrs. West opened her mouth to say more, but the classroom began to fill with arriving students, and she turned her attention to directing everyone to their seats. Belle couldn't help but notice the intense scrutiny they were under.
The other girls shot her looks of pure jealousy and hostility, clearly threatened by her sitting next to the undeniably gorgeous newcomer. The boys, meanwhile, looked at her with undisguised hunger while sending sharp glares of challenge toward Teddy.
She knew it was only a matter of time before someone ran off to report everything to Drake—her new clothes, her proximity to the new boy, everything. They were smart enough to stay silent for now, knowing better than to incur Drake's legendary wrath. He was the type of Alpha who didn't hesitate to punish the messenger.
—---
