Gemma Draconica

Chapter 13

VERONICA

The parking lot is already buzzing with life when I pull in. Engines hum, doors slam, and laughter cuts through the crisp morning air, but it all feels distant, like I'm underwater. My pulse drums in my ears, drowning out everything else.

I park near the back, away from the main entrance. My hands grip the wheel so tight my knuckles ache. My chest tightens as my mind replays the weekend's events—his claim, the sparks, the way his voice echoed in my head.

Because you're mine, deliciae mae. Because you. are. mine.

The words curl around my thoughts, heavy and dangerous, reshaping everything I thought I knew about my life. My heart flutters, a mix of fear and something I don't want to name.

What did the pack members see last night? Are they whispering about me? Did they notice how the King looked at me—or worse, how I couldn't look away from him?

I glance toward the school entrance. Groups of students laugh and talk like it's another first day of school, scattered across the steps. The normalcy feels jarring, almost mocking, as if their world is still intact while mine tilts on the edge of something I can't control. I force myself to get out of the car, swinging my bag over my shoulder. The strap digs into my skin, grounding me for a moment, but the knot in my stomach only tightens as I take my first step toward the building.

The cool morning air brushes against my skin, raising goosebumps. Or maybe it's the weight of all the questions swirling in my head. Each step feels heavier than the last, as if I'm walking through quicksand. My legs are leaden, my breath shallow. The sounds around me—footsteps on the pavement, laughter, the distant slam of car doors—blur together.

I reach the steps, and my eyes lock on her—Monica, standing near the entrance with Natalie by her side. Monica's glare is sharp enough to cut through steel, her arms crossed over her chest.

The weight of her gaze pins me in place, my feet frozen on the sidewalk. I take a shaky breath, steeling myself. There's no turning back now. I force my feet to carry me up the steps, each feeling heavier than the last.

The laughter and chatter around me fade as my focus narrows on Monica. Her sharp glare doesn't waver as I approach. Natalie stands beside her, biting her lip. Monica's body vibrates with barely contained anger.

"Morning," I manage to say, though my voice comes out thinner than I'd like.

Monica doesn't reply. Her eyes are cold, assessing, and unrelenting. Natalie takes a small step toward me, her mouth opening as if to speak, but Monica cuts her off with a flick of her hand, her eyes still locked on me.

"I shouldn't be surprised. You show up like nothing happened," Monica says, her tone biting.

I freeze, her words hitting me like a slap. Around us, students weave past, their conversations a dull hum in the background. My throat tightens, and I scramble to find the right words.

"I—Monica, I didn't mean—"

"Didn't mean what, Vivi?" Monica's voice rises, sharp enough to draw glances from the nearest students.

Her jaw tightens, and her fingers dig into her crossed arms. "Didn't mean to disappear? Didn't mean to ignore your friends for a year? Or didn't mean to scare the hell out of everyone last night?"

Guilt gnaws at my stomach. I glance at Natalie, but she looks away, her expression pained, her hands wringing together.

"I'm sorry," I say, the words falling flat. "I didn't mean to worry you—any of you. I just—"