The Luna Queen's Rebirth (Ellie and Dominic) novel Chapter 37

Ellie POV

I’m halfway out the library doors, still vibrating with the urge to scream into a pillow.

Dominic had the nerve to eavesdrop on me! Then, even ask me to stay?! Stay for what?! Gods! What a—

Then, someone steps right into my path.

“Ellie?” It’s a freshman. They look nervous, holding a clipboard like it’s a shield. “The principal… um… wants to see you.”

“Why?”

He squeaks. “I was just told to get you.”

Fantastic.

I mutter something murderous under my breath and follow the student across campus, every step reminding me why my blood pressure is spiking: Dominic. Dominic and his stupid warnings. Dominic and his stupid bond. Dominic and his stupid—

The office door shuts behind me.

Principal Harrington sits there with a stack of files and the expression of a man already disappointed.

“Miss Ellie,” he says, “please sit.”

“Is this about me dropping out of the Management Academy?” I ask as I sit. “Because I can explain—”

“No,” he cuts in. “This is about the Mate Relationship Course. Your attendance is mandatory.”

I blink. Then laugh. “Sorry, it sounded like you said I have to attend—”

“You do.”

“You’re joking.”

“I’m not.”

My jaw tenses. “Why? I’m not going. I’m switching tacks. I want nothing to do with the course. Or Dominic.”

He sighs in that way adults do before ruining your life. “It’s for your own good. You’re the future Alpha’s fated mate. Dominic must attend, so you must as well.”

I stare at him. “So because some cosmic lottery paired me with someone I don’t want, I’m forced to sit through lessons on bonding, marking etiquette, and shared futures?”

He nods.

I want to flip the desk.

“I reject this.”

“You can’t reject the class.”

“No. I reject the entire concept.”

He clears his throat. “Ellie, I know you’re applying to the Healer Academy—”

I freeze.

He lifts my folder.

“Attending the Mate Course looks responsible on your transcripts,” he says. “It will help you.”

“Responsible for who?” I snap. “The school? Dominic? Tradition?”

“For yourself,” he says gently. “It shows maturity and cooperation.”

I laugh again. “Right. Nothing says ‘mature’ like forcing a girl into a class with someone she begged to be free from.”

“Ellie,” he warns, “it’s mandatory.”

Which means I’m starting to feel like a free taco stand at lunchtime.

Can’t blame them, though.

I am a catch.

The seminar is held in a large multipurpose room someone tried to turn into a woodland lounge. Sure, the gold trimming and plants look nice, but all the chairs are gone replaced with couches.

And every single wolf in this room is too scared to be the first one to actually sit on one.

I adjust my shoulders, posture perfect, jaw set. Confidence is half the job, and I wear it like armor. Future Alpha, after all. Example-setting and all that.

But my wolf keeps flicking his ears, picking up everything.

They’re whispering. About me.

Who I’ll choose.

Ellie or Vivian.

Always in my business. Always wanting drama.

My skin crawls, but I let it roll off.

Before I can tune any of them out, Marcus slings an arm over my shoulder.

“Bro,” he practically shouts, vibrating with excitement, “best day of the entire freaking year. The Mate Seminar? Elite. I’ve already picked out three hotties.”

Tyler appears on my other side. “Dude, I’ve been waiting for this since freshman year. Though honestly? Fawn’s the top pick.”

Marcus snorts. “Please. Atticus is welded to Fawn. Didn’t you hear? Fated mates. They’re guaranteed to pair.”