Alpha Xander's Undoing Chasing my Unknown Mate Back novel Chapter 3

Chapter 3

*Rory*

I stood in line at the front office of Azure Crest Academy, clutching the strap of my bag with one hand and smoothing the crease of my shirt with the other. The energy in the air was electrifying—students chattering excitedly, staff rushing back and forth, and the unmistakable hum of life that I hadn’t felt in years.

This was my chance at a fresh start.

A week of living in Xander’s house had been hell. Even on the morning after our wedding, he hadn’t so much as acknowledged my presence. He hadn’t offered me a bed, barely spoke to me, and refused to touch the food I made for him. It was like living with a ghost.

But now, standing here, surrounded by strangers and possibility, I dared to hope that I could carve out a life for myself.

“Next!” the woman at the counter called, snapping me out of my thoughts. I stepped forward and gave her my name.

She handed me a manila envelope. “Here’s your schedule, dorm assignment, and keys. Welcome to Azure Crest Academy, Miss Steele. You’re in the Alpha-Beta ranked classes, so prepare for those.”

I grinned. “Thank you.”

As I walked out of the office, I let myself breathe for the first time in days. I could do this. I could live here at the academy, far away from the oppressive silence of Xander’s house and the suffocating expectations of my father. Most students went home on weekends, but not me. I’d already decided—I was staying.

I found my dorm easily and slid the key into the lock. The door creaked open, and a familiar voice greeted me.

“No way! Aurora-freaking-Steele!!”

“Mona!” I squealed, dropping my bag and rushing into her arms.

Mona Macy had been my best friend since we were pups, though we didn’t see each other often. She was from the Emerald Pack—Xander’s Pack, while I was from Snow Pack, and with my father’s restrictions, meeting up had been nearly impossible.

Though we were neighbouring packs, I barely saw her.

Seeing her now, with her long black hair cascading down her back, her bold glasses perched on her nose, and her signature confident grin, was like a balm to my soul.

“Look at you!” she said, holding me at arm’s length. “You look amazing! And oh my God, we’re roommates! This year is going to be epic!”

I laughed, her infectious energy lifting my spirits. “I can’t believe it. We’re actually going to spend an entire year together!”

Mona grabbed my hands and jumped up and down. “We’re going to have so much fun! Parties, sneaking into town, breaking curfew, dating hot guys—”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” I said, laughing. “I have to behave. I’m a married woman now, remember?”

Her excitement faltered as her eyes landed on the ring on my finger. “Right. I heard about that.”

She snorted and crossed her arms. “Look, no offense, but word is Xander is super bummed about being married. He’s still hung up on your sister.”

I flinched at her bluntness, but I managed a shrug. “It’s fine. I didn’t exactly choose this either.”

Mona rolled her eyes. “Well, that’s obvious. Besides, I saw him and Lilith earlier, looking all cozy.”

I froze. “Lilith?”

“Yeah, Lilith. Our Beta’s daughter? I thought you knew her?”

I nodded slowly. Lilith had been Eden’s best friend. And while Eden was cruel to me, Lilith had always been kind. She was the only person in their little group who ever treated me like I mattered.

Mona waved a hand dismissively. “Whatever. Let’s not think about them. This year is about us!”

I forced a smile and started unpacking. But as I pulled out a sweater, I suddenly felt my stomach drop.

“Oh no,” I muttered.

“What?” Mona asked, peering over my shoulder.

“I forgot my medicine.”

Her face turned serious. “What medicine? Are you sick?”

I shook my head quickly. “No, it’s nothing. Don’t worry about it.”

She didn’t look convinced, but she let it go.

We decided to head to the cafeteria for lunch, chatting about classes and plans along the way. Mona was her usual sassy self, commanding attention with her bold sense of style and loud personality. I was content just listening, letting her energy distract me from my own thoughts.

But when we entered the cafeteria, my heart stopped.

Xander was there.

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