Seeing Riven’s lost expression has my legs moving before I realize what I’m doing.
“Kady?” Delilah hurries after me. “Where are you going?”
“Just stay here,” I instruct her.
“I’m not leaving you.” She scampers after me. “You know better than to get involved in alpha disagreements.”
I don’t reply to her, seeing red as I watch Riven lunge for his telescope, only for it to be thrown over his head. While I don’t know Riven well, I know that his telescope is very important to him. I’m not going to stand back and watch while Kyro and his friends smash up one of his prized possessions.
“Go on,” Kyro sneers, pretending to drop the telescope before catching it at the last second. “Do you think you’re so brave now, huh? You stole our omega! Tyler said you were practically drooling over her in the library.”
Shea is there too, his clenched fists in front of his face in a boxing stance. “If you want your…” He pauses for a second, obviously not knowing what a telescope even is. “Lens-thingy back, you’ll have to fight for it.”
“Move!” I shove past one of the alphas.
Delilah hangs back at the edge of the circle, chewing on her lip in concern.
“Hey,” The jock glares down at me then sneers at Kyro. “Look, Ky, this bitch is back for seconds.”
I grab his wrist then twist his arm at the perfect angle, making him yelp in surprise. “Call me a bitch again, and you won’t be playing football all season.”
His smug smirk drops, lower lip trembling as he battles to maintain his composure around the other guys. But based on the small whimper he makes, this twist is causing him immense pain.
“You should remember that engaging in alpha fights is against campus rules,” I say, before quoting the SVU handbook before releasing him. “If I speak to your coach, you’ll be put on the bench. See my friend over there?” I point at Delilah, who is conveniently holding up her phone. “She’s recording the whole thing, so she has your face on camera. I recommend that you give Riven his telescope back, then move along.”
“It was only a joke,” Kyro jeers. “I thought you had a little more humor, Kady-kins?”
My eyes narrow into slits. “Don’t call me that.”
“Here.” Kyro thrusts the telescope out for Riven to take. Just as Riven reaches out, Kyro lets it drop. “Oops.”
The telescope lands with a crash on the ground. The glass of the lens cracks, and there’s a popping noise, like a screw coming loose. My breath hitches, hoping it’s not completely broken.
Shea swaggers past, muttering, “You want that filthy omega whore, then you’re welcome to her.”
I let his comment wash over me, however, Riven’s face contorts. His lip curls, and his smoldering blue eyes blaze with fury.
“What did you say?” Riven’s voice has a gravely tone I’ve never heard before. “That’s no way to talk to an omega. Apologize for calling her that.”
Some of the football players, who are dwarfed by Riven, back away, mumbling excuses about having to get to practice before fleeing.
“Apologize?” Shea is quick to rise to a fight. “I’m not apologizing for shit. I’m only speaking the truth.”
When Riven steps forward, I jump in, standing between them to keep them apart.
“Let them leave, Riven.” I put a hand on his chest. “It’s fine. It doesn’t matter.”
“You’re going to pay.” Kyro points at Riven. “Both of you and your pack.”
“Run along, Kyro.” I make a shooing motion. “Before I report you to Dean Rivers for harassment.”
They file away, cursing as they go.
“Are you okay?” Riven’s hand flies to my shoulder, gently stroking it with his thumb.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” I shrug. “They’re just jerks who are bitter because no omega wants them.” I look down at the smashed telescope. “But the same can’t be said for your telescope. I’m so sorry they did that.”
Behind me, Delilah clears her throat. I forgot that she was even standing there. I quickly jump away from Riven, but it’s too late. Her eyes roam all over him, giving him a once over before shooting me a knowing look.
