Chapter Ten : Fit in

"Calm down. You are going to scare off the young lady," Athereld said as Caspian sent him a chilling glare. "Did Catherine not inform you about not leaving the house?'' Caspian asked me coldly, ignoring Athereld. I fathomed that the nagging wouldn't settle for anything less. I had seen Caspian getting mad before. I recalled the day he ordered the thugs to kill me. My palms got sweaty as I pressed them together, holding my breath. I felt grateful that Athereld chose to accompany me. It was stupid of me to think I could convince the mafia leader with my excuses. "I asked her to go out with me," Athereld answered, noticing me tensing up as the smile on his face did not fade despite Caspian's rudeness. "And I am pretty confident that the Alpha Lord won't mind something so insignificant," Athereld said. "Insignificant?" Caspian asked, aimlessly placing his hands in his pockets as if Athereld had said something witless. "Is it not?" Athereld questioned back, as the smile on his face only widened. "The Lady has returned to her safety. Let her take some rest. She's still not recovered from the trauma you gave her," Athereld said. "You can act recklessly to your heart's content. I don't care about that," Caspian said, getting close to Athereld as their eyes met. Athereld did not even flinch at the intense aura Caspian was radiating. "However, if the enemy families had taken the opportunity to harm the Alpha Lord's granddaughter, I wonder how an incompetent alpha would protect her?" Caspian questioned. My eyes widened at Caspian's remarks. Caspian made it apparent that Athereld was an alpha wolf. However, I was perplexed as Caspian called him an incompetent alpha. I turned to Athereld anxiously, thinking he probably got mad. To my surprise, Athereld yawned, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Don't mind me. I am resistant to uncouth thugs," Athereld said, waving his hands, assuring me. Athereld turned to Caspian and said, " I am a doctor. I save people's lives, don't beat them to death. If something bad were to happen, at least I would be able to treat the young lady." Caspian attempted to make a few more crude remarks. However, Athereld cut his speech. "I am off. Don't nag too much, or you will develop a contagious headache infecting the people around you," Athereld said, lightly patting Caspian's shoulder as Caspian stared at him bitterly. "Let's have a nice meal together again, getting permission from your grandpa," Athereld said to me before leaving. I noticed the mischievous smile on his face, fathoming he said that solely to annoy Caspian. After Athereld left, the atmosphere got awkward. I thought I would get scolded even more. However, Caspian unexpectedly asked, "Are you still feeling unwell?" My heart pounded so hard on my chest that I felt like Caspian could listen to its beats. Caspian noticed the uneasiness on my face and asked, "Is it true what that cheeky jerk said? Are you still upset about that day?'' "It's not grave. I apologize for not following your orders," I said awkwardly. "Since when did you turn into a sorry mushroom? Weren't you fierce enough to consider giving up on your throne for an alpha wolf?" Caspian asked, crossing his arms on his chest. I felt my cheeks heating up. Something was strange about Caspian. Every time I was alone with him, I could feel an unfamiliar sensation tingling inside my chest. When I returned with Athereld, I could tell from Caspian's face that he did not like it. "You should go upstairs and rest. You will continue your studies from tomorrow. Master has got you into one of the most elite-class schools in the country. Make sure to live up to my Master's reputation," Caspian said. "School?" My eyes widened. Undoubtedly, I wanted to finish my final year and graduate like the other kids. However, Caspian's words began to form twisted knots in my abdomen. It would be better if I could go back to my old school. I exhaled deeply, heading upstairs, sulking. Caspian grabbed my wrist abruptly. "If you wish to eat outside, tell me next time. Don't go out with just anyone,'' Caspian said. Caspian rubbed his neck as I stared at him flatly. Is he really going to act politely with me now? I wondered. "It's just I don't want you to get into any trouble. That doctor is already a pain in the neck," Caspian said, releasing my hand. I couldn't sleep the entire as my heart wouldn't calm down. It had been months since I last attended school. I searched up the school Caspian had informed me that I would be joining. It was an A-ranked school that would only allow elite class students from all over the country. However, they provided scholarships for commoners as well. I sighed. Previously, I would deliver fries to this kind of school. "There's no way I could blend in," I thought, shoving my head in my blanket. The next day I woke up late with dark circles under my eyes. Catherine got startled by my appearance. "Miss, what happened to you? Did you not sleep last night?" Catherine asked concernedly. I shook my head, sulking. Catherine shoved the brush in my mouth, pushing me into the washroom as I was already late for class. Caspian had left earlier in the morning, ordering the maids to prepare me for school. A man in his forties appeared, bowing gracefully. The man introduced himself as the chauffeur. Catherine had already prepared my uniform. I changed into the fairly short-sleeved shirt, tucked inside the mini-skirt with a black coat on top, and knee-high socks with black shoes. I tied my hair in a high-raised ponytail, letting the bangs in the front cover my forehead. As my car entered the school ground, my eyes flushed by its sovereignty. A few guards escorted me to the school. However, they were not allowed to enter the school. Hence, the guards waited outside as I entered the school. My grandfather had arranged all the necessary documents I submitted to the office. My homeroom teacher was instructed well, as he took care of me from the moment I arrived at the school building. "So, this is how it feels to get elite treatment," I thought. However, the moment I was most worried about finally came. I had to introduce myself to the class as a transfer student. As I entered the classroom, I could feel the piercing gazes at me, scrutinizing every cell of my body. The class was filled with all the rich kids, already aware of my identity. I didn't know if it was due to my wolf nerves that enhanced my senses. I could hear the murmurs clearly. "Isn't this the granddaughter of the white wolves that appeared out of nowhere?'' "Is she even real? She doesn't look rich." "Why is she so privileged? How can they allow a new student in the final year?" I exhaled deeply as the teacher asked me to take my assigned place. The entire class, I wondered how they would react if they found out about my past. I clenched my notebook subconsciously. How can I think so pathetically? I questioned myself. Why should I care what they would think? I had no complaints or regrets when I lived in that small town. Whether I fit in or not, I will not groom myself to fit in someone else's taste.