Chapter 77 CHAPTER 77

Chapter 77 CHAPTER 77
CELIA'S POV

I stood there with my cheek burning from the slap, the sting spreading hot across my face. Krystal’s friends circled me in the restroom, their voices sharp and nasty, bouncing off the tiled walls. I could hear other girls in the stalls—freshmen, sophomores, whoever—shuffling and listening. This place was open to everyone. Fighting back right now would make me look just as bad as Krystal. So I didn’t. I kept playing the victim, eyes wide and watery, shoulders hunched like I was scared.

“You ruined her life, you fake little bitch,” the tall one spat, stepping closer. Her breath smelled like mint gum and anger. “Those videos? Everyone knows you spread them. Krystal was just trying to fit in and you turned her into the school whore.”

Another girl laughed meanly, shoving my shoulder. “Yeah, and now you’re strutting around with the Hale brothers like you own them. What, you spread your legs for them too? Pathetic omega slut.”

My face got hotter, but not from shame. A dark little thrill ran through me. I felt their words, sure, but I also felt powerful. They were scared. They knew the brothers were watching me now. I kept my voice small and shaky on purpose. “I didn’t do anything… please, just leave me alone.”

Inside my head it was a different story. Keep talking, bitches. Every word you say is digging your own grave. My nipples tightened under my shirt from the rush of it all. Revenge felt so good it made me wet. I thought about Jasper’s hands on me in the cave, Xavier’s hug, Kaiden’s sudden kiss. These girls had no idea how much the brothers wanted me now. How their protection made me untouchable.

The third girl got right in my face. “You think you’re safe because you rode in their car? Krystal told us everything. You’re just a desperate nerd who tricked them. We’re gonna make sure you pay for what you did to her.”

They started closing in, shoulders bumping, voices rising. “Let’s teach her a lesson right here.” “Yeah, hold her down.” “She deserves it after ruining our friend.”

My heart raced. They were really about to jump me. I backed up against the sink, eyes filling with fake tears, but I didn’t swing. Not yet. “Please… I didn’t mean to—”

The door to the other stalls flew open. Three senior girls—tall, confident, the kind who ran half the school—stormed out. Their faces were pissed.

“What the actual fuck is this?” one senior snapped, grabbing the tall girl by the arm and yanking her back hard. “You’re ganging up on Celia? After everything Krystal pulled?”

The second senior shoved another of Krystal’s friends against the wall. “We heard every word. You helped Krystal spread lies about her. And now you’re attacking her in the bathroom? Pathetic.”

The third senior stepped in front of me like a shield, her voice loud enough for the whole restroom. “Get them out. Now. We’re dragging these bitches to the committee just like Krystal.”

Krystal’s friends looked shocked, eyes wide, mouths open. They tried to fight back, arms flailing. “Wait! She’s playing victim! She started it! She’s the one who—”

But the seniors didn’t give them a chance. They grabbed their arms, pulling and pushing them toward the door. The girls kicked and cursed, faces red with anger and panic.

I walked slowly around the school grounds, the afternoon sun warm on my skin. My cheek still stung a little from the slap, but I didn’t rub it. I just let the breeze cool it down while my mind raced. Everything felt different now. People stared as I passed, but not the old way. No sneers. No whispers calling me omega trash. Just wide eyes and quick looks away. The brothers’ car drop-off had changed everything. I felt their eyes on me even when they weren’t around, like invisible hands on my waist, my thighs, reminding me of the cave, the garden, the hugs. My body still ached in the best way, sore and sensitive, and it made me wet just thinking about it. Stupid. I was supposed to hate them.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and read the message: Dean’s office. Now. Urgent. My stomach flipped. I knew what this was about. I turned and headed straight there, heart beating faster with every step.

When I pushed open the door, Krystal and her three friends were already sitting in the chairs across from the Dean’s desk. Krystal’s eyes shot daggers at me. Her friends looked nervous, shifting in their seats. The Dean, an older man with a serious face, motioned for me to sit.

“Celia,” he said, voice calm but firm. “I’ve heard there was an incident in the restroom. Tell me what happened.”

I sat down, keeping my voice small and shaky, playing it up. “They attacked me for no reason, sir. I was just washing my hands and they started saying awful things, then one of them slapped me. They were going to beat me up. I didn’t do anything to them.”

Krystal jumped in fast. “She’s lying! She started it! She’s the one who—”

The Dean raised his hand. “Enough. Celia, go on.”

I swallowed hard, letting real feelings show. “I haven’t been able to talk about the bullying before because I was scared of them. Scared of Krystal and what she’d do if I spoke up. But today… I’m glad someone finally helped me. The senior girls stopped them. I didn’t fight back. I couldn’t.”

The Dean nodded slowly, eyes hard on Krystal’s group. “This is serious. I’m getting to the root of this. All the bullying, the videos, the rumors. You girls are suspended pending investigation. Celia, you have my word. You’ll get justice. No one gets to treat you like this anymore.”

Relief washed over me, mixed with that dark, sweet thrill. I looked straight at Krystal and her friends, letting a slow, evil smile creep across my lips. I didn’t hide it. I wanted them to see it. Wanted them to know I was enjoying every second of this.

I stood up, nodded at the Dean, and walked out without another word. My heart was pounding, cheeks warm, body buzzing with power. I stepped into the hallway and—bam—bumped straight into a hard chest.

Jasper.

His hands caught my arms to steady me, warm and strong. His scent hit me instantly, making my nipples tighten and heat pool low again. He looked down at me, eyes dark and concerned, that same hungry look from the cave still there.

“Celia,” he said softly, thumb brushing my arm. “You okay?”

I pulled back a little, but not all the way. His touch felt too good. “Yeah. Just… dealing with some old friends.”