CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

I wipe my eyes, the sting of the liquid still lingering on my skin, and strain to see who the culprit is. When I finally make out her face, it's no surprise that it's Linda, the daughter of an alpha and a member of Alice's cheerleading squad. Her disdainful glare is fueled by the prejudice she likely holds against me, courtesy of Alice's influence.

"That's what you get for stealing other people's mates," Linda sneers, her words dripping with venom.

Her accusation strikes a nerve, and while it stings to be judged so unfairly, I refuse to let her misconceptions dictate my response. With determination coursing through my veins, I rise to my feet, my eyes locking with hers in a defiant stare. In that split second, I make a conscious decision not to cower in the face of their bullying. Today, it's juice, but it could be something far worse tomorrow. I refuse to give them the satisfaction of seeing me as an easy target. Without a moment's hesitati