The King (Alpha Trilogy #3)

Chapter 2

Ivy

I put my books in the locker, making a mental note to ask for notes from yesterday's lectures from Lia. She's a nice girl; I hope she won't refuse. She's the best student in our class and she always helps me when I can't attend classes by giving me her notes.

I wouldn't go as far as calling her my friend, but I wish I could. She's an amazing girl. Smart, strong, compassionate and beautiful. Not to mention, confident.

I wish I had such confidence, but... I don't, unfortunately. I've been a pushover my whole life; people walk over me like it's nothing. I know I should change it, but how? How do I get over years of conditioning that my parents put me through? How do I stop being a goody-two-shoes all of a sudden?

My parents molded me into this perfect little lady that listens to their all commands, doesn't have her own mind and would never say 'no' to them.

And it's all because I'm a politician's daughter.

I don't have a choice in anything. I can't even wear t-shirts or pants, having only dresses and skirts in my wardrobe, per my mother's order. I can't even choose my own clothes. I'm so pathetic.

Being done with all my classes for today, I adjust the bag on my shoulder and walk out of the building, glancing longingly at all the groups and couples around me. I wish I could have someone, but my dad's orders were clear: no boys. I'm supposed to get married to Jake, my father's friend's son.

I hate the guy, but I can't go against my dad's wishes. He always reminded me to be careful about what I do because it can hurt his reputation. To him, his career is more important than me and my happiness, but I'm used to it now. I've been dealing with this my whole life.

I catch sight of Lia, Blake and some guys from the football team in the parking lot. They're chatting happily, with Blake hugging Lia from behind. They look so... in love. I'd never admit it, but I'm jealous of them. They are so enamored with each other and they're not afraid to show it. Their constant displays of affection are really cute and it makes me want something like that. I'm already twenty years old but I haven't even had my first kiss yet.

"Ivy, hey!" Lia is the first to notice me, getting all the guys' attention on me. It's so intimidating!

"H-Hi. I didn't mean to disturb you..." I trail off unsurely, slightly scared of all the stares I'm getting.

"You're not disturbing us." Lia chuckles as Blake puts his chin on her head.

"Oh, um... – I adjust my bag out of nervousness – I just wanted to ask you something." I quietly say.

"Go ahead." Lia nods encouragingly, waiting for me to speak.

"Um... Would you mind lending me notes from yesterday?" I frown worriedly as soon as the words leave my mouth. Despite having talked to Lia quite a few times, the guys around her are scaring me to the point of stuttering pathetically.

"Sure. I'll send them to you later, okay?" Lia smiles gently at me, making me feel more at ease.

"Thank you." I smile gratefully at her.

"No problem."

"Aren't you going to introduce us to your gorgeous friend?" One of the guys teases. At least I think he's teasing. He's really handsome with his dark short hair and piercing blue eyes, but I don't dare do more than glance at him. He's so big and muscled that, if he wanted, he could break me in half. My measly 5'1" has always been a source of my complexes and him being over 6 feet tall does nothing but intimidate me.