Mia’s POV
The darkness that consumed me in my coma wasn’t empty. It was vivid, filled with strange sensations and a voice I couldn’t place. I was running through a forest, the trees towering high above, their branches forming a canopy that filtered the moonlight into soft streaks. I felt powerful, fast, like I was more than just myself.
Then, from the shadows, a wolf emerged-huge, majestic, its fur as white as freshly fallen snow. Its piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, and I froze.
“Who are you?” I asked, my voice echoing through the silent forest.
The wolf stepped closer, its presence commanding but not threatening. “I am Ima,” it replied, its voice strong and feminine, resonating in my mind. “Your wolf. Your strength. And it’s about time we met.”
I blinked, my breath hitching. “This isn’t real,” I muttered, shaking my head. “This has to be a dream.”
Ima huffed, her piercing eyes narrowing. “This is very real, Mia. You’ve ignored your instincts for far too long, and it’s time you stop running.”
I opened my mouth to respond, but her growl silenced me.
“You are not weak,” she continued, her tone firm. “Stop letting them treat you like you’re nothing. You are more than they could ever handle. Fight back. Defend yourself.”
I didn’t respond, but something about her words resonated deep within me. Her presence filled me with a sense of power, of belonging, that I hadn’t felt in years.
“Next time they push you, push back,” she said, her voice softer now. “You’re stronger than you think.”
Before I could say anything else, the world around me faded, and I woke with a sharp inhale.
The next morning, something inside me had shifted. I felt… different. For the first time, I didn’t feel the crushing weight of fear and helplessness. Instead, I felt a spark of confidence, a newfound strength that Ima had ignited.
When I opened my wardrobe, I bypassed the usual loose dresses I always wore to hide myself. Instead, I chose a fitted blouse and jeans that hugged my curves. I studied my reflection in the mirror, surprised at how different I looked. My posture was straighter, my eyes more focused.
“This is who you are,” Ima’s voice whispered in my mind.
I made my way to the kitchen, where Sean was already sitting at the table, scrolling through his phone. His eyes lifted to me, and for a moment, he froze.
“Well, look at you,” he said, his gaze trailing over me. “Showing off, are we? Go change. You look ridiculous.”
Normally, his words would have sent me scurrying back to my room, but not today. I grabbed a plate of toast and eggs, setting it down at the table without sparing him a glance.
“Sean,” I said, my tone calm, “the only thing ridiculous here is your opinion.”
His jaw dropped, and I smirked, taking a bite of my breakfast.
“You can’t talk to me like that,” he sputtered, clearly caught off guard.
I leaned back in my chair, meeting his stunned expression with a calm gaze. “I just did.”
He opened his mouth to retort, but I stood, picking up my plate and heading toward the door. “Enjoy your breakfast,” I added over my shoulder before leaving the room.
As I walked away, I felt their eyes on me-Sean, Nathan, and Xavier-staring as though they didn’t recognize me. For the first time, I didn’t feel like their victim.
The test was done, and I felt a small sense of relief as I packed my bag and headed toward the lockers. But as soon as I turned the corner, my stomach dropped. Aria and her gang were there, their smug expressions plastered across their faces.
“Well, look who it is,” Aria sneered, stepping in front of me. Her manicured hand pushed my shoulder lightly, just enough to make her presence known.
“What do you want?” I asked, my tone sharper than usual. I could feel Ima stirring inside me, her energy feeding into my own.
Aria crossed her arms, her perfectly styled hair bouncing as she tilted her head. “What do we want? Have you forgotten your duties, omega? You’re supposed to do what we tell you. Or has that little escape you pulled gone to your head?”
Her friends laughed, circling me like vultures. My fingers tightened around the strap of my bag, and for a moment, I considered running. But then Ima’s voice rang in my mind.
“Don’t you dare,” Ima growled. “You are a vortex wolf, Mia. You don’t run. You confront.”
“I can’t,” I whispered under my breath, but Ima’s growl deepened.
“You can. These girls are nothing. Teach them a lesson they won’t forget.”
Aria poked my arm again, bringing me back to the moment. “Did you seriously just zone out while I was talking to you?” she said, her tone dripping with mockery. “You’ve gotten bold, haven’t you? Think you’re too good to follow orders now?”
Something inside me snapped. I dropped my bag to the floor and straightened up, my eyes locking onto hers. The fear that usually consumed me was gone, replaced by a fire I didn’t recognize.
“Orders?” I said, taking a step closer. “You think you’re important enough to give me orders? That’s cute, Aria.”
Her smirk faltered for a split second, but she quickly recovered, her friends giggling behind her. “Excuse me? Who do you think you’re talking to?”
“You,” I replied, my tone calm but laced with venom. “The girl who thinks she’s the queen of the school when really, you’re just a sad little wannabe with nothing better to do than harass people who don’t care about you.”
Her jaw dropped, and the laughter from her friends stopped abruptly.
“What did you just say?” she asked, her voice rising.
“You heard me,” I said, crossing my arms. “Let me guess-you’re angry because for once, someone isn’t bowing down to your pathetic attempts at being relevant. It must be exhausting, trying so hard to matter.”
Aria stepped closer, her face inches from mine. “You’re going to regret that.”
“I doubt it,” I said with a shrug. “But go ahead and try, Aria. Let’s see how that works out for you.”
Her hand shot out, grabbing my arm, but I didn’t flinch. Instead, I looked her dead in the eyes, my voice steady. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”
Her grip loosened, confusion flashing across her face.
“What’s the matter?” I continued, my tone dripping with mock sweetness. “Not as fun when someone fights back, is it?”
One of her friends, clearly emboldened by Aria’s hesitation, stepped forward. “You’ve got a big mouth for someone who’s about to get taught a lesson.”
Ima’s voice echoed in my mind. “Stand your ground. Don’t let them touch you.”
I stepped toward the girl, my voice steady. “Here’s a lesson for you: Don’t start fights you can’t win.”
The girl blinked, stunned, but Aria quickly recovered. “Enough of this,” she snapped, shoving the other girl aside. “You think you can humiliate me in front of everyone? Let me show you what happens when you mess with me.”
She raised her hand, ready to strike, but before she could make contact, a sharp voice cut through the tension.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”
We all turned to see Tristan walking toward us, his expression cold and unyielding. Aria froze, her hand hovering mid-air as he stopped beside me.
“Touch her, and you’ll regret it.”
Aria muttered something under her breath, but she stepped back, motioning for the others to follow. They disappeared down the hallway, their bravado gone.
Tristan turned to me, his expression softening. “Are you okay?”