Claimed by My Bully Alpha (by Anna Kendra) novel Chapter 176

Chapter 176

Aurora’s POV

The word “mate” echoed in my ears, sending a shiver down my spine. I hadn’t expected him to say it so openly, and neither, it seemed, had Mia. She froze, her lips parting as if to argue, but no words came out. Her friends exchanged uncertain glances, the confidence they had walked in with now evaporating.

“But Caleb-” one of them started, only for Mia to cut her off with a wave of her hand. Her face was red with a mixture of anger and humiliation, and I could see the moment she realized she had no power here.

“Fine,” Mia hissed, her voice trembling as she spun on her heel. “Let’s go.”

As she stormed off, her friends hesitated, as though debating whether to follow, but one glare from Mia sent them scurrying after her. The entire cafeteria watched their retreat, whispers breaking out almost immediately.

“I can’t believe it,” someone murmured from another table.

“Caleb’s group is falling apart,” another said, their voice tinged with disbelief.

I tried not to look at the curious faces around us, my cheeks burning. Caleb leaned closer, his voice low but firm as he said. “Don’t let them get to you, Aurora. You’re where you belong.”

I nodded, unsure how to respond. My heart was still racing, but there was a strange sense of satisfaction blooming in my chest. The whispers, the tension, and even Mia’s glare–all of it seemed worth enduring if it meant I could stay here, with Caleb and the others.

“Bold move, Caroline,” Jade commented with a smirk, breaking the silence.

She smirked back, brushing imaginary dust off her shoulder. “Someone had to put her in her place.”

I allowed myself a small smile, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something much bigger–and far more dangerous. And I was getting tired of all the silent stairs and the secretive whispers across the room. It almost felt suffocating, knowing that others were gossiping about me in ways I didn’t want.

As I stood up from the table, I pushed my chair back gently. “I’ll be right back,” I said, grabbing my phone. Caroline, ever the protective one, immediately started to rise with me.

“I’ll come with you,” she offered, her tone leaving little room for argument.

I gave her a small smile, shaking my head. “I don’t need to be guarded 24/7, Caroline. It’s just the bathroom, not the dark woods. I’m going to be just fine.”

“Are you sure?” She hesitated, frowning slightly. “Still, you never know-”

“I’ll be fine,” I cut her off, more firmly this time. “Two minutes, tops. I promise. Okay?”

1/2

Chapter 176

Reluctantly, she sat back down, letting out a defented sigh, but not without muttering, “If anything happens, I’m blaming you.”

Rolling my eyes playfully, I walked away, weaving through the crowded cafeteria until I reached the bathroom. The moment I stepped inside, the noise from outside dulled into muffled chatter. I went about my business quickly, glad to have a moment to myself, and headed over to the sink.

The cold water felt refreshing as I washed my hands, and I allowed myself a brief sigh of relief. That peace was short–lived. The bathroom door swung open with a loud creak, and in walked two girls from the cheer squad–Bridget and Taylor, their matching ponytails and scowls as sharp as ever.

They didn’t even try to hide their disdain as their eyes locked on me. I felt the weight of their glares immediately. Straightening, I turned to leave, but they moved faster, blocking the doorway with practiced precision.

“Well, well,” Bridget sneered, crossing her arms. “Look who it is. Miss Miracle Worker.”

Taylor smirked, leaning against the wall like she had all the time in the world. “Tell us, Aurora,” she began, her tone dripping with fake curiosity,.“what kind of black magic did you use to get to where you are right

now?”

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