Claire’s POV.

I stood in front of Alpha Damien in his office, my heart beating fast.

His eyes were cold and angry as the room was quiet, and I could feel the tension in the air.

“Do you know what you’ve done, Claire?” he said sharply. “You fought Alpha Xavier’s minion in front of everyone!”

I tried to speak. “He started it, Alpha. He insulted me first. I just—”

“Enough!” he shouted, cutting me off. “You should have controlled yourself. You made me and this pack look bad.”

He took a deep breath and rubbed his forehead. “That’s not an excuse. You should control yourself, Claire.” He looked at the guards. “Lock her in her room. She stays there until I say otherwise.”

My eyes widened. “What? That’s not fair! He attacked me first!”

“Enough, Claire!” he said loudly, his voice echoing through the room.

I looked at him, and the disappointment in his eyes made my chest ache. The guards came forward.

“Please, Alpha…” I said softly, but he didn’t answer. He just turned away.

The guards took me to my room and locked the door. I sat on the floor, tears filling my eyes.

Betty’s POV. 

I woke up feeling so excited and full of energy that I could barely stay still.

Today was the day of my flight to Texas! I smiled the moment I opened my eyes, the thought of finally travelling making my heart race with joy.

I jumped out of bed and hurried to the bathroom, humming a song while I took my bath.

The warm water made me feel even more alive. I kept thinking about the plane, the view from the window, and everything waiting for me in Texas.

When I was done, I dressed quickly and rushed downstairs. Grandma was already in the living room, smiling as she saw me.

“Good morning, Grandma!” I said cheerfully.

She chuckled. “Someone seems very happy this morning.”

“I can’t help it,” I said, grinning from ear to ear. “I’m finally flying to Texas!”

We laughed together, then picked up my bags and headed out.

At the airport, I couldn’t stop looking around, I saw the people, and the planes were very thrilling. I held Grandma’s hand and smiled widely.

“This is really happening,” I whispered to myself, my heart full of joy as we waited to take off.

I hugged Grandma tightly before getting on the plane. I felt a little sad to leave her, but I was also very happy and excited. “I’ll call you when I land,” I told her with a smile and waved goodbye.

When the plane took off, I looked out the window and watched the clouds. Texas, here I come, I thought happily.

After we landed, I got my bag and went outside. I stopped a cab and told the driver the name of my hostel. As we drove through the streets, I smiled to myself as we passed a very famous museum.

“I’m really in Texas,” I whispered, feeling excited about everything ahead.

When I got to the hostel, a tall woman with a warm smile introduced herself as the dorm mistress. She offered to show me to my room.

As we walked down the long hallway, she gently explained the dormitory rules which include, no loud noise after 9 p.m., no visitors without permission, and keeping the rooms clean at all times among other things I barely remembered. I listened carefully, nodding at every point.

Finally, we stopped in front of a brown door with the number ‘12” on it. “This will be your room,” she said with a smile.

I took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

The moment I stepped in, my eyes widened in surprise as the one sitting on one of the beds was someone I never thought I would see here.

My lips parted, but no words came out.

When I finally found my voice, I could hardly believe what I was seeing.

As my hands suddenly became cold, my heart was beating so fast I could hear it in my ears.

“Megan?” I said slowly, my voice trembling. “What… what are you doing here?”

She turned around, and that familiar smile she always wears on her face. The same one she always wore back in high school when she wanted to show she was better than me.