Ravenna's POV

I stayed on my knees with my head still bowed. My heart pounded like a drum. Seeing Ronan and Selena had brought back long-buried memories. I thought I was ready to confront my past. Turned out I was wrong.

All eyes were still on me. Selena stayed silent. Her gaze burned like an inferno. Sweat trickled down my back as I knelt there in front of everyone. Honestly, the last thing I wanted was to get thrown out of the academy on the first day of my return.

"How dare you cause a scene at my son's coronation?"

"Forgive me, Luna."

"You have the galls to knock down my son's mate? Who are you by the way? I don't remember ever seeing you around."

Oh, you know me so well. I am the girl you stabbed. The girl you left to die.

Yeah, I wished I could tell her that. But now wasn't the time.

I swallowed and told the lie I had repeated for so long it felt true. "I'm Vexley Aleron, a transfer student. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to disrespect anyone."

Selena's eyes narrowed. "A transfer student with no manners? I need to teach you some."

Fear gripped me. That was the thing about Selena. She was evil, cold, unforgiving. . . Maybe I should have been more careful. But it was hard to say calm after seeing Thalia.

Ronan stepped forward and dropped a hand on his mother's shoulder.

"Mother, let it go, she apologized. It's my big day, we don't need to waste time with nobodies like her."

Nobody, huh? You wouldn't even be crowned alpha if I didn't take the fall for your stupid ass!

I looked up and my eyes met his again. My mind flashed back to the day he said the ugliest of words to me. You're just a convenient hole for my release.

For someone I saved his life? Damn it!

Selena nodded. "You're right. We have better things to think about. Get out of here, girl. You are really lucky I'm feeling generous tonight."

The guards stepped back. And the slowly, the tension in the air eased. I rose slowly and muttered thank you to the gracious Luna. But she had walked away with her entourage.

Ronan pulled Thalia to her feet and dusted down her dress. I felt a knot in my stomach. That would have been me. But I wasn't jealous. Never! I didn't want to be with a bloody-faced liar like Ronan. He was evil, just like his mother.

I watched him take Thalia's hand, pulling her back toward the hall. But Thalia turned and glared at me.

"Don't think this is over." Her chilling tone would have scared me if I wasn't so angry.

I finally got to my feet and exhaled. Astrid sprang out from nowhere and looked at me. "Vexley, need to be careful, okay? That could have turned out really ugly."

"Yeah, it's too early to start stepping on toes."

"Girl, there are some toes you don't want to step on if you don't want to lose your feet," she whispered. "Luna Selena is one."

"I'll watch."

"Do you want to come back to the hall?"

"No, I'll just stay here for now."

Astrid rolled her eyes. "I need to pick something up from the hall. I'll be back soon. Please, don't get into any trouble."

"I won't." I smiled at her.

She gave me a thumbs up and headed toward the hall. My smile vanished as soon as Astrid turned around. She came across as a good person, but I had experienced so much betrayals in my life to truly trust anyone.

I remained outside the garden, listening to the soft music from the hall. My body shuddered as wondered what would have been if Ronan didn't intervene. Would I get thrown in the dungeon? Maybe get stabbed again.

Footsteps crunched behind me. Oh, Astrid? That was quick. But as the footsteps got closer, I recognized the scent. Ronan. My breath froze.

I turned right away. He was a couple of steps away. Our eyes met and he gazed at me intently, like he could see through my soul.

"What's your name again?" He stepped closer.

"It's Vexley, Alpha."

"Vexley. . ." His jaw tightened, and I saw his hands flex. He was fighting the urge to reach out and touch me. "You remind me of someone. Someone I... lost."

My stomach twisted. You didn't lose me, you disloyal bastard. You threw me away and let your witch of a mother stab me.

"I'm sorry for your loss."

"Don't be. Life goes on." He was enough to feel the heat of his body. His scent filled my senses and made my head spine. Memories of the many nights he had bent me over and slid his big cock into me came back rushing. Damn it, I used to love this man. He was my world. Until he threw it away.

"Yes, life goes on," I repeated because I had no idea what else to say.

"This is crazy, but there's something about you that is familiar."

"You are imagining things, Alpha. I need to go now." I moved away from him with quick steps.

I didn't want Thalia or Selena or anyone see Ronan with me. I had to stay alive long enough to enact my revenge. I thought he would call me back, but he didn't. But I could feel his eyes on my back, and I felt the pull of his wolf. It recognized me. But Ronan would never.

Back in the hall, the music had given way to the chatter of guests as they ate. I spotted Astrid at a table.

She waved me over. "Vexley!"

"Thalia is still sulking in the corner. You must have really upset her."

"Good for her." I eased into the seat.

"Look at that," Astrid said suddenly.

"What?"

"Luna Selena. She's looking at us."

My eyes land on Selena, and she was indeed watching us closely. Me actually. I flashed a nervous smile, but she just looked at me blankly. Her eyes bore into me and made me uncomfortable as hell.

"Girl, you're a magnet for trouble. First, Thalia, now the Luna won't stop glaring at you. You better stay low for the coming days." Astrid sounded concerned.

But I laughed it off. If only she knew who I really was, she would stop worrying about me making an enemy of the Luna.

The wineglass on our table rattled and from the corner of my eyes I noticed someone had dropped something and run off. I tried to follow the movement, but the person had mixed with the crowd.

I lifted the wine glass and saw a note scribbled on a piece of paper.

We need to talk tomorrow. Alone. After Training.

- Kael.

Ravenna's POV

The sun was merciless. Sweat trickled down my forehead as I held the wooden spear tight. We have been training for hours in the sun. 

Professor Kael stood across from me. I tried not to meet his eyes, but he wouldn't look away. I wondered what he wanted to talk about. Our conversation in the garden unsettled me.

You can fool everyone else, but not me. Those words echoed in my mind. My skin prickled as I looked up and saw him looking at me again.

"Ready?" He called.

"Yes, sir."

He lunged and swung his spear. I blocked the impact and ducked to evade the second attack. He was fast and relentless. His strikes came hard. I had to step back to avoid his blows.

My feet slid in the dirt. I ducked under his swing and spun to strike his side. He caught my spear, then twisted it from my grip. It clattered to the ground. I stumbled, but caught myself on one knee.

"Not bad," he said, circling me. "But you're holding back. Unleash your full potential. Show me what you're hiding."

He came at me again and again until my arms ached and my knees trembled. I crashed onto the sandy ground, and then the professor stood over me.

"You have a lot to learn. See me in the office."

I remained on the ground as he walked away. My whole body ached. Like someone had smashed all my joints.

"Come on," Astrid offered me a hand. Her face glistened with sweat. Training is always hard here. That's why we're the best academy."

I leaned forward, panting. "I thought he was going to kill me."

Astrid chuckled. "Some teachers get more intense."

"I can't imagine anything worse than this. I need to run along. The professor wants to see me."

"Okay, I'll be in the dorm."

I stood up and brushed dirt from my knees. My chest heaved with nervousness. Why does Kael want to see me?

I scratched my sweaty face and walked to the block reserved for the tutors in the academy. I found Kael's office and walked in after a single knock.

The office was dimly lit. He had lots of books and files spread out on the walls. A portion of the desk had scrolls and maps on it. Kael was pacing when I entered.

"Took you so long," he muttered.

"I was a little tired after training."

"Close the door," he said.

I did so with shaky hands. "I'm here. What do you want to talk about?"

My pulse raced as I stared at him. Somehow, I felt like prey locked up with a predator. I hated the way his eyes gazed into mine. It made me feel small.

"I know the truth."

"What truth?" I replied, trying not to freak out.

"You're not Vexley Aleron," Kael said, gradually walking up to me. "You're Ravenna. The Omega who was once dead."

Damn it! How did he even know? I tried to look confused, but I wasn't sure I pulled it off.

"Who is Ravenna? You probably have me confused with someone else."

He tilted his head. "Don't play games with me."

"I'm not. . ."

"Shhh," He brushed my lips with a finger. That gentle touch made my spine tingle. It felt like I had been zapped with a taser.

"I see you. I see it all. I understand your pain, your anger. . . You're here for revenge, and I know it."

Now, there was no use denying. He had figured things out already.

"What if I am? What's it to you?"

Kael let out a big smile. He leaned closer until his lips were inches away from my ear. "I want the Bloodmoons destroyed. Selena betrayed me. She used me and cast me aside."

"That's not my business."

"Of course, it's not. But you will do as I say. That's the smart choice. I'll give you power and protection."

My heart thudded. His offer was a trap. But it was tempting too. I needed allies. I might not be able to face Selena and her family alone. "Why are you trying to involve me in your revenge? Why not do it on your own?"

"I can see you're burning with more rage. I can feel the intensity. Yes, you can do it. You WILL do it "

I stepped back, inching toward the door. I hated where this was going. "Can I take some time to think about it?"

"Think about what? Aren't you here for revenge?"

"I want to decide if I should ally with you."

"You don't have a choice." He chuckled. "I could expose you now. One word to Selena, and you're done. She would trust me even further, and I'll get a better chance to carry out my revenge plans."

I swallowed and shook my head. I had to be careful here. The smart thing to do was to make sure Kael and I were on the same side.

"Fine. We have a deal."

"That's not all," Kael said.

"What else?"

He closed the gap between us again and set his palm on my back. With the way his eyes twinkled, I knew exactly what was on his mind. He trailed his hand down my back until his palm rubbed my butt.

I stared at him blankly. I had gotten to the stage where I no longer got emotional over my body. It was now a weapon, a tool to achieve my goals.

He undid the buttons of my training vest and lifted my bra. His breath caught as he stared at my erect nipples. Our eyes met and I nodded, urging him on.

Kael trailed his tongue on my nipple, rolling around the areola. Pleasure gripped me hard. He teased one nipple with his tongue and lips while massaging the second one with his other hand.

"Oh, damn it!" I moaned. I couldn't believe what this man was doing to me.

He leaned away from my breast and whispered against my neck. "Suck me."

I needed no second urging. I pulled down his pants and freed his throbbing cock. It was rock hard. And it reminded me of Ronan's. I took the cock in my mouth while massaging the base. His eyes rolled in their sockets. I sucked him hard until I heard him groaning.

Footsteps down the hall made him pull out of my mouth. He was panting. I felt a wave of disappointment. I thought after that intense sucking, he would slide his cock into my wet pussy. I was turned on already.

"Next time, we'll take it further," he whispered as he pulled up his pants.

I nodded and snapped my vest back on.

"See you soon." He winked at me.

I didn't say a word. I turned around and left his office. Wow, that went from zero to a hundred pretty fast.

The Academy's halls were quiet as I headed back to my dorm. I was ready for this challenge. Having someone like Kael on my side was a boost to my already high morale.

I needed to see Ronan. It was time to start my plan and I had to first draw him close before breaking him.

I strolled around the Bloodmoon courtyard, hoping to see me. Memories of Kael's throbbing cock played in my head. I wasn't in this game for pleasure. But I didn't mind some fun along the way.

After checking the courtyard and the hallway, I got tired of looking for Ronan and almost headed back to my dorm. But I decided to check the garden first.

I found him there, holding a rose petal and staring into space. His damp hair gave him a boyish charm. But I knew better. He wasn't to be trusted. He and his mother were killers!

My lips curved into a smile as I walked toward him. "Alpha Ronan."

"Vexley?"

"Yes, Alpha. I wanted to thank you for saving me yesterday."

"Oh, it's okay," he smiled. And suddenly, I remembered the days when that smile meant the world to me.

"How did you know I was here?"

"Just my instincts."

"Hmmm." He peered at me and pursed his lips. "Do you believe in reincarnation?"

"I don't know, do you?"

"I certainly do now. Because it feels like I've met you before."

My smile widened. "Maybe we knew each other in another life."

"Maybe." He reached for my hand. Jolts of electricity coursed through my veins as he massaged my fingers. "Join me for a walk tomorrow. Come to this garden at dusk."

"Sure, Alpha. I'll come." We stood side by side in silence for a moment, then Ronan gave my hand a gentle squeeze and walked away.

Whew! Things were going pretty good. It wouldn't be hard to get Ronan in my grip. I turned around, heading out of the garden. And then I saw Thalia, standing in the distance, glaring at me with looks that could kill.