Claimed by My Bully Alpha (by Anna Kendra) novel Chapter 173

Claimed by My Bully Alpha

Chapter 173

Aurora’s POV

The hum of Caleb’s car filled the air as we made our way to school, his steady presence a reassuring constant in the whirlwind of my thoughts. I glanced at the side mirror, catching sight of Jade’s and Caroline’s cars following us, their silhouettes framed by the morning light.

It was odd, really, how different I felt today, almost as if I were stepping into a new chapter of my life. Two days ago, I wouldn’t have imagined myself here, not like this but thanks to Maya’s relentless determination, I had undergone a complete transformation.

My once short, plain brunette hair now fell in soft, loose waves that framed my face, and the addition of bangs made me look almost unrecognizable. I reached up, brushing a strand behind my ear, marveling at how something so simple could make such a difference. The light blue top I wore brought out the brightness in my eyes, or at least that’s what Maya had insisted as she shoved it into my hands.

Paired with a new set of jeans, I felt… fresh. Different. My mother’s pendant rested lightly against my chest, its familiar weight grounding me, offering a quiet kind of strength. And then there was Caleb–silent but solid beside me, his presence steadying the chaotic flutter in my chest.

Entering through the gate made my heart thunder against my ribcage, but I told myself that this time, Caleb was with me, and no shadowy figure could harm me when Caleb was around.

We pulled into the usual parking spot, the engine rumbling to a stop. For a moment, neither of us moved. Caleb’s hand lingered on the steering wheel, his gaze sliding toward me. I could feel the question forming even before he spoke.

“Are you ready?” he asked, his voice low but warm, the kind of tone that made it feel like he wasn’t just asking about today but everything–this new beginning, this new version of me.

I let out a slow breath, my fingers fidgeting with the edge of my top. “I think so,” I replied, though my voice wavered slightly. I turned to meet his eyes, finding comfort in their steady blue depths. “Do I look okay? Be honest.”

His lips curved into a small, reassuring smile, the kind that never failed to ease my nerves. “You look more than okay, Aurora. You look… like you.”

I blinked at him, surprised by his choice of words. “Like me?”

He nodded, leaning back slightly in his seat. “Yeah. Like the real you. Confident, strong, ready to take on the world. Mom did a good job, but this-” he gestured to me, “this is all you. You’re radiating the beauty, the confidence that you feel inside. And that makes you even more gorgeous.”

A small, hesitant smile tugged at my lips. “You’re just saying that to make me feel better.”

“No,” he said firmly, his expression serious now. “I mean it. And whatever happens today, I’ve got your back. Always.”

His words wrapped around me like a shield, and for the first time in days, I felt like maybe, just maybe, I could handle this.

“Thanks, Caleb. Really.”

He shrugged, a faint grin breaking through his calm demeanor. “What are boyfriends for, huh?”

I laughed softly, the sound surprising me with how natural it felt. “Boyfriend and unofficial chauffeurs?”

He chuckled, opening his door. “Exactly.”

The school loomed ahead, its familiar halls promising both challenges and opportunities. I took a deep breath, clutching my pendant for a moment longer, getting ready to exit.

He gets out first, walking around to my side and opening the door for me like it’s the easiest thing in the world. His hand extends toward me, steady and sure, and I take it because I’m not sure my legs will work otherwise. The moment I step out, I feel it. Eyes. Everyone’s eyes.

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