AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chris slams his hands to the bench. “You son of a bitch! You shouldn’t even be here. You should be fucking fired for—”
Scarlett’s small gasp from my office sets me off, and I lunge at the lying asshole and yank him off his feet. I stand several inches taller than him and probably work out twice as much, because he can’t even break free of my chokehold as I spin him around and slam him face-first into the locker.
I snarl in his ear, shoving my hand to his upper back, winding him. “Be careful what you say from this point on. You underestimate my power and authority. My private life is no one’s business, and if you so much as try to ruin my reputation, I will ensure your future is ruined.”
Chris stiffens in my arms, drawing placid as he submits to me. There are too many goddamn hotheaded assholes who just don’t know that they must earn their places. You can do so illegally or with threats and violence, but that leaves alliances shaken. I’ve learned long ago that people who actually deserve respect get it. They don’t scare people into giving it. He’s about to learn that real quick.
“Now, go back to your seat and shut the hell up. Say anything again, and you will never be able to show your face on this campus again. You will shame your pack.” I swing him around and shove him back down.
The locker room falls silent with my motion, and Dean Clearwater clears his throat. He adjusts his suit jacket and dips his chin in a nod of affirmation.
“Would anyone else like to speak up?” Dean Clearwater gives each member of the team a hard look.
No one responds. No one looks at the dean or me.
“Very well. I’d like to make something clear. Blackmailing or coercing the faculty will not be tolerated. You have the privilege to attend this university, but it is not a right. You will respect all faculty’s privacy and personal lives. We will do the same for you as long as you earn such courtesies. Do I make myself clear?” Dean Clearwater holds his ground, towering over the football players.
“Yes, sir.” Several mumbles sound in the locker room, parroting each other.
“From this moment on, I’ll also be enforcing sterner punishments when it comes to student harassment. We’re adults, and that sort of behavior does no one any good. If you want to join reputable and respectful packs, you will take my advice to heart.” Dean Clearwater motions to a steel rolling tray with enough plastic cups for the entire team.
The last thing I wanted was to fucking mess with piss, but I bite my tongue and do as expected. Adrian warned me that our alliance with the dean was shaken, and it’s important that I keep my cool.
I catch movement from my office, and I offer Jonah and Scarlett a stiff smile as they exit to stroll back by the football team. This is a silent warning to anyone who is considering exposing Scarlett as an omega, and I watch each football player closely for their reactions. Only Chris and his buddy glower, but they remain silent. It helps me know that no one else on the team is in on this bullshit.
“All right, team. Everyone piss in the fucking cup. I swear to fucking God, if you spill a damn drop, you’ll be scrubbing this entire locker room with your bare hands.” I pass out the cups, stopping at Chris one more time. “And don’t forget to pass the warning on. You don’t fuck with faculty. You don’t fuck with things that are none of your business or don’t belong to you.” I smack my hand to his cheek, purposely leaving my scent behind. “Also, keep each other accountable. Got it?”
The team grumbles, most of them looking confused as fuck, which makes me feel a bit better about the situation. Dean Clearwater stays until the cups are gathered and put back on the tray, and he thanks everyone for their cooperation.
“I expect that no more problems will come my way, Leo. I have far better things to do than clean up your mess,” Dean Clearwater grumbles, thinning his lips as the locker room clears out.
“We all do, Franklin.” I follow him out, shielding my eyes from the sun. “Just know this courtesy won’t be forgotten. You have our back, and we have yours.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less. Have a good day.” Dean Clearwater shuffles away, leaving the piss cups behind. He wasn’t actually going to test anybody. He doesn’t want to waste money or resources on something he doesn’t actually care about.
I shove the tray to the side of the building, where dumpsters hide behind brick walls. I get rid of everything and jog out, wanting nothing more than to just take the rest of the day off.
A horn honks, drawing my attention to the student parking lot, and I tense at the sight of Chaz waving at his two asshole friends. I heave a breath, my rage consuming me. He’s not even supposed to be on campus. I’m going to fuck him up for showing his face after what he tried to do.
I hit the asphalt, but Chaz stomps his throttle and peels out, leaving white smoke in the air. I catch his eyes in his rearview mirror, and I know this isn’t over.
I’m going to have to call in some favors.
Some people won’t give up.
I’m just going to have to make him.
23
Scarlett
Naughty Student
Me:IthinkIneed someone to pick me up.
I wiggle in my seat, antsy and unfocused. I knew it was a bad idea to leave the manor, but Leo needed me to rile up the fuckers that attacked us at the Mermaid Lounge. Dean Clearwater wanted to see me for himself as well. Maybe to confirm what my alphas told him or because he’s nosy. Whatever reason, I wish I had asked Jonah to take me home instead of to class.
Because dull cramps seize my stomach, stealing my focus. My body hums, my skin sensitive in a way that drives me crazy. Every shift of my legs causes my body to throb unexpectedly.
