Chapter 9

　　Annette did not respond to Kyle.

　　She wanted to pull her hand out of his wrist, but he held it so tightly that she could not break free.

　　"Let go."

　　"Are you embarrassed that I saw through you? Didn't you ever think I'd find out sooner or later? My mother is the one who gave you the job."

　　Kyle roared in pain.

　　She looked at him, her face full of grievance and anger.

　　He said coldly, "What is it? Why don't you say something? Annette, why did you use me?"

　　"Your mother has talked to me countless times, and the subject has always been the same. She wants me to break up with you, and I get to stay here and be a teacher by doing so."

　　Her voice was not exactly loud, but he heard it very clearly.

　　"I have been a good student and hardworking. I believed that I was good enough to work at the university, though I knew that the woman in power did not like me and that I might be disqualified. Yet, in the face of Fiona's repeated threats, I had never thought of compromising, because I believed in myself and I believed in you.

　　"Kyle, do you know? I even thought that after I married you, Fiona might kick me out of university, but I would go find another job. But you were the one who shattered my dream. When I saw you sleeping with Lena, do you know what I was thinking?"

　　Kyle looked at her in pain.

　　He did not know any of this.

　　She said coldly, "If I were not your mate, I would have earned my dignity and my work, but now, even if I reject you, it will be assumed that I got all this by some improper means. Because of you, I have suffered more than I should have. Do you know how upset I was when your mother called me a Rogue and said that the future Alpha of Crystal Pack would not have a bastard Luna?"

　　When she finished speaking, she clenched her fists, aggrieved.

　　He felt like being slapped a few times.

　　"I'm sorry, Annette. I'm so sorry. I didn't know this. I apologize for what Fiona said and did. Why didn't you tell me this before?"

　　She took a deep breath and calmed herself down. "What would it change if I told you? To turn you into an Alpha who betrayed your pack because of me? Make you a Rogue as well? Or, if I had told you, you wouldn't have slept with Lena?"

　　"My thing with Lena is just a misunderstanding. She was in heat at that time. I don't know why, but my wolf thought she smelled like you." Kyle closed his eyes and looked upset. "Annette, tell me. What does it take to forgive me? Tell me. No matter what it takes, I'll do it."

　　Annette's eyes drifted down the road, and she saw Lena running toward them.

　　She looked in that direction and sneered.

　　Kyle looked back and saw Lena. He frowned, "Annette, I..."

　　Lena ran to Annette and Kyle and grabbed Annette's hand. "Annette, it's all my fault. Please don't blame him anymore. Poor him and he really..."

　　Kyle shouted, "Lena, shut up! I don't need you! Go! I'm begging you! Just go!"

　　Lena knelt in front of Annette. "I was in heat that day. I've always had a crush on Kyle. I seduced him!"

　　"Lena," Annette cut in and stopped Lena's act. She said, "You're the one who said Kyle loved you, right?"

　　Lena immediately denied it, "I didn't say that. Annette, I know you hate me, but you shouldn't slander me."

　　Annette took out her phone and pressed the button.

　　Lena's voice came from the phone.

　　"Annette, Kyle sleeps with me, because he loves me. Do you still think what the teacher says about mates is true? We are not..."

　　Lena's face turned pale at once.

　　"Lena, let me tell you something. That's not who Kyle is. Maybe he will fall in love with someone else, but he will not have feelings for someone just because of her body. He isn't that shallow. Also, drop the act. I am not a nice person, so I have no intention of playing along. If you like kneeling, then continue."

　　After Annette finished speaking, she pulled her luggage, turned around, and left.

　　Lena clenched her fists. She thought, 'Damn you, Annette. You bitch!'

　　Seeing that Kyle was going to chase after Annette, Lena reached out and grabbed Kyle, crying, "Kyle..."

　　Kyle shook her hands off. "I won't love you. Never. I love Annette. I know very well that both my wolf and I have recognized Annette as our mate. So, I love her. I will always love her."

　　Kyle left Lena behind.

　　Lena slowly stood up and wiped her tears. She looked at Annette, who had already walked far away, and gritted her teeth. "Annette, this isn't over. You are doomed."

　　The next day, Annette received a call from Dwayne by the end of the class.

　　"Ms. Hall, what time will you finish your class today? I'll send a car to pick you up."

　　"Thank you, Dwayne. But I have to work in the convenience store today, so don't bother," Annette said and hung up.

　　Dwayne looked at Connor. "Alpha Connor, Ms. Hall has to work and won't be back until late."

　　"Go and check the schedule of the convenience store she works in," Connor said.

　　Connor had a feeling. Annette was trying to avoid him.

　　At nine o'clock in the evening, Annette, dressed in her uniform, was putting items on the shelves of the convenience store.

　　She had a high ponytail, a pretty face, and a slender figure. Even in her conservative overalls, she was instantly noticeable.

　　The convenience store was far from the city, and there were several clubs nearby, so drunk people often stopped by to buy things.

　　Annette would occasionally be harassed by those people.

　　"Hey! How much do you charge for one night?" a man asked, patting Annette on the shoulder.

　　Annette glanced at the man, who revealed a wretched smile.

　　"I'm sorry, sir. You should show some respect. I work here," Annette said.

　　"Stop pretending, bitch! You will be with me tonight."