Chapter 28: A New Strength

Amelia's POV

Daniel's mouth opened, ready to launch into what I was sure would be another manipulative speech, but I didn't give him the chance. I turned my back on him and walked away with Isabelle. For the first time since I'd known him, I didn't look back.

"Holy shit, Amelia!" Isabelle grabbed my arm as we walked, making me wince. She looked down at where her fingers had touched me. "Those scratches from Vanessa look worse than I thought."

I glanced down at my forearm where several scrapes were turning an angry red. The ones on my face stung too, especially when the cool morning breeze hit them.

"Medical office. Now," Isabelle ordered, linking her arm through mine, careful to avoid my injuries.

The walkway to the medical building was already busy with students rushing to morning classes. Each step reminded me of the confrontation with Vanessa. Students passing by whispered and pointed, but for once, I didn't shrink under their stares.

"Hold still," the school nurse instructed as she dabbed antiseptic on my cheek. "You've got quite a few scratches here."

I tried not to flinch at the sting. My mind was replaying the fight with Vanessa—if you could even call it that. But I'd stood my ground. For once, I hadn't cowered or run away.

"Does it hurt?" Isabelle asked, perched on a chair beside the examination table.

"A little," I admitted. "But it feels... good? Is that weird?"

The nurse chuckled. "Endorphins. The body's natural painkillers."

After she left to get some paperwork, I turned to Isabelle. "You know what's strange? I've never fought back before. It was always Nathan protecting me. I never thought I could..."

"Could what?" Isabelle prompted when I trailed off.

"I never thought I could be strong on my own." I flexed my fingers, examining the small cuts across my knuckles. "I was always the good little Omega. Always following rules, always afraid."

Isabelle tilted her head, studying me. "And now?"

"Now..." I found myself smiling. "Maybe everything Alexander and Daniel did to me didn't break me. Maybe it made me stronger."

"That's my girl," Isabelle grinned, squeezing my uninjured hand.

The door burst open, and Wesley stumbled in, out of breath and wild-eyed. "Amelia! Are you okay? I heard there was a fight—"

"News travels fast," I said dryly.

Wesley crossed the room in three long strides, his eyes scanning me for injuries. "Jesus, what happened?"

Isabelle gave him the condensed version while I sat quietly, suddenly self-conscious about my bandaged face and arms.

When she finished, Wesley shook his head, looking at me with newfound respect. "I thought all this crap would crush you, but here you are, fighting back. That's real strength, Amelia."

His words warmed something inside me. For once, someone was seeing me as strong, not as the victim.

The bell rang, signaling the start of first period. Wesley rushed off to English, and after signing release forms, Isabelle and I headed out into the morning sunlight.

Isabelle linked her arm through mine as we crossed the quad. "So, I've been thinking..."

"That sounds dangerous," I teased.

She bumped her hip against mine. "Shut up. I've decided I want to celebrate my birthday tomorrow. Nothing too crazy, just a little get-together at The Howl tonight."

I raised my eyebrows. "Your birthday is tomorrow? Why didn't you say anything before?"

"We've been busy with your competiton, remember?" she shrugged. "Life's short, right? We should celebrate the good stuff while we can."

"That's... surprisingly philosophical coming from you."

She flashed me a smile. "I contain multitudes. So, will you come?"

My stomach tightened. "Tonight? I don't know, Isabelle. My mom probably won't let me, especially with Nathan gone."

"Come on! You're already 18 years old. You're an adult," she said confidently. "And don't worry, I didn't invite anyone you hate."

"That's not it." I lowered my voice. "Everyone's already talking about what happened with Vanessa."

"All the more reason to show up! Let them see you're not hiding." She squeezed my arm. "Please? It'll just be a small thing."

I doubted that, knowing Isabelle, but I found myself nodding anyway.

During lunch break, I made my way to the campus store, determined to find something for Isabelle's birthday. I counted the wrinkled bills in my wallet with a sigh.

Ever since Alexander cut off my pack resources and Nathan was demoted from Beta to Gamma, money had been painfully tight. Mom's medical bills weren't going to pay themselves, and Nathan's reduced salary barely covered our rent.

"That's her," I heard someone whisper behind me. "The one who went crazy on Vanessa this morning."

I hunched my shoulders, pretending not to hear, and continued my search. I finally spotted it tucked away on a bottom shelf—a leather-bound book of werewolf historical illustrations she'd been eyeing for weeks. I checked the price tag and winced. That was our grocery money for the weekend, but Isabelle had stood by me when no one else would. Some things were worth the sacrifice.

During my free period, I went home and added a personal touch to Isabelle's gift—a simple friendship bracelet with a tiny silver moon charm I'd been saving. It wasn't much, but I hoped she'd understand the sentiment.

"Mom? Is it okay if I go out tonight?" I asked, sitting on the edge of the sofa. "It's Isabelle's birthday tomorrow, and she's having a small get-together at The Howl."

Mom looked up from her book, concern immediately creasing her forehead. "The Howl? With Nathan away on border task..."

"I know. But I'll text you, I promise." I squeezed her fingers gently. "Isabelle's been a good friend to me when the pack turned its back on us."

Mom studied my face for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Alright. But eleven o'clock sharp, understood?"

"I will. Thank you." I kissed her cheek just as the doorbell rang.

The early evening air had a slight chill as we walked to Isabelle's car. Guilt gnawed at me as I clutched my wrapped gift.

"I told my mom it's just a small gathering," I admitted. "We weren't exactly honest about the size of this party, were we?"

She winked. "It's not lying. It's selective truth-telling."

In Isabelle's sleek car, I fidgeted with the wrapped package on my lap. "I still can't believe what I did today."

"Standing up to Vanessa? Or telling Daniel to fuck off?" She grinned.

"Both," I admitted. "I've spent so long being afraid."

"Well, stop it." She squeezed my knee. "You've shown you have strength. Now it's time to use it."

She turned onto the main road, her expression softening. "And hey, forget Daniel. There are better wolves out there. Maybe you'll meet someone tonight who actually appreciates you."

The way she said it made me glance at her suspiciously. "Isabelle... this isn't a setup, is it?"

Her innocent smile told me everything I needed to know. "Just keeping an open mind, Amelia. That's all I'm asking."

As we drove toward The Howl, the neon sign glowing in the distance, I couldn't decide if I was terrified or excited. Maybe, for the first time, I was a little of both.