Orion's POV
I stepped into the classroom and immediately felt the weight of every gaze in the room. Girls began whispering my name in hushed, excited tones. Did they really think I couldn't hear their brazen comments? Their words included references to bedding, presenting, biting, marking. Some stared openly while others blushed and discussed my recent shift, talking about Marshall with obvious fascination. They swooned over me, calling me the perfect Alpha heir. Compliments flooded in about my strength, my appearance, my bear. The flattery was overwhelming, yet I found myself missing praise from the one person whose opinion should matter least to me.
Tulip guided me to our seats, flipping her hair over her shoulder with practiced elegance. She shot withering glares at every girl who dared look in my direction, though it didn't stop their commentary.
"She's acting like she's his mate," one girl scoffed loudly enough for everyone to hear.
