Taming the Hybrid Mate: Desired by Five Alphas-Chapter 120: The library confrontation

Andria’s POV

"You know that your friends wouldn’t help you pass these exams," Allison said, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor as she approached me with her new squad, on my way out of the library.

Becca stiffened instantly beside me, her fingers curling into fists, while Michaela lowered her gaze, hugging her books closer to her chest.

"Especially mathematics," Alexa chimed in, her voice dripping with mockery. "I heard you couldn’t even tell what topic the teacher introduced the other day in class."

Becca’s head snapped toward her. "And what exactly is your business with her grades, Alexa? Did she ask you to tutor her?"

Alexa smirked, tossing her long hair over her shoulder. "No, but I’d hate to see a student council president embarrass herself by failing the simplest subject."

I let out a slow breath, forcing myself not to rise to the bait. "Thanks for your concern, but I don’t remember inviting you to discuss my academics; besides, I wouldn’t be qualified for the contest if I weren’t doing well academically."

Allison’s eyes glittered like sharp steel. She folded her arms and tilted her head slightly. "But you see, Aria, your academics are now our concern. You’re the president. If you fail, what does that say about your ability to lead?"

She said the words so slowly, deliberately and loud enough for the crowd already forming to hear.

And just like she expected, her words drew murmurs from them. My chest tightened, but I stood straighter, clutching my books against me like armor.

I knew I was brilliant, and what happened that day during mathematics classes was a result of her brother’s distraction. How dare Alexa use that against me?.

I would surprise them at the forthcoming exams, because they are obviously oblivious of who I am, when it comes to academics and any kind of competition.

I hate to lose.

"It would say I’m human," I answered calmly. "And that leadership isn’t about test scores, it’s about how you treat people. Something you might want to take notes on, Secretary."

Becca nearly burst out laughing. "Ouch! Did you hear that, Allison? Straight from Madam President!"

Allison’s smirk faltered for just a second, her eyes narrowing. But she recovered quickly, stepping closer until the space between us was only a breath apart. "Careful, Aria. You wouldn’t want to start a war you can’t finish."

I met her gaze unflinchingly. "If you wanted peace, you wouldn’t be standing here trying to pick one."

"Exactly," Becca, Michaela, and Liara chorused.

Alexa gasped as if I’d slapped her, and Michaela tugged nervously at my sleeve. "Aria, maybe we should just go."

"No," Becca said firmly, stepping to my side like a shield. "They started this, let’s end it."

Liara smirked. "You all talk like you are more brilliant than Aria is. Maybe Allison is, but I can’t say the same for both of you," she said, pointing at Alexa and Tricia.

Tricia, who had been silent till now, finally spoke. Her lips curved into a slow, menacing smile. "End it? Sweetheart, this is just the beginning."

The tension between us was thick enough to slice with a knife.

Students hovered around, pretending to be about to get into the library, but they were clearly waiting for a blow-up.

"Allison," I said, keeping my voice low and steady. "I don’t know what game you’re playing teaming up with these two, but if you think you can intimidate me, think again.

You aren’t Tracy, for crying out loud, and you shouldn’t be like her; that will give you a bad reputation.

Besides, I’m not the kind of girl who’ll step aside because you sneered at me in a hallway."

Becca crossed her arms smugly. "Yeah, so unless you plan on failing your own exams because you’re too busy stalking my friend, I’d suggest you move along."

For the first time, Allison’s expression shifted. A flicker of irritation, almost admiration, passed across her features. Her lips twitched, but she masked it quickly with her usual icy smirk.

I couldn’t help but notice how similar she was to Aven. Aven was also a cold-hearted bully, who just recently reduced his bullying.

"You’ve got spirit," she said finally. "I’ll give you that. But spirit without strategy?"

She stated, her gaze raking over me like a challenge. "That burns out quickly."

With that, she spun on her heel, her squad trailing behind her like obedient shadows.

The moment they disappeared down the corridor, Becca exhaled loudly. "Spirit without strategy, my ass. She just didn’t know how to clap back after you roasted her."

"She’s also got spirit without strategy. Of all the she-wolves in Ashwood, she chose to team up with Tricia and Alexa.

She must want to be noticed at least just once, since she had been living in her brother’s shadow for a long time," Liara added, scoffing at their retreating figure.

Michaela shook her head, worry clouding her face. "You’re making enemies too fast, Aria.

Allison’s not like Tracy; she’s sharper, more calculating. And now that she’s secretary, she’ll be watching everything you do."

I bit my lip, the weight of Michaela’s words sinking in. She was right. Allison wasn’t the type to throw empty tantrums like Tracy; she was the type to plot.

And that made her dangerous. But as of now, all I ever wanted to think about was my exams.

Athena’s voice stirred in my mind. "She’s testing you, Aria. Every word, every stare, every little jab, it’s all a test. Be careful you don’t walk into her snare. She’s Aven’s sister, remember."

I squared my shoulders, whispering back to her, "Yeah, that being said, I’ll handle her with quiet grace, trust me."

Becca nudged me again, breaking my trance. "Don’t let her mess with your head. You already shut her down once today; you can do it again."

I forced a smile. "Yeah. And this time, I’ll make sure she regrets starting it."

Michaela gave me a soft, nervous look, but nodded in response.

We dispersed to our various dorms to prepare for the group reading session.

"Can I join you tonight...