Chapter 3 The Golden Boy's Roommate (Valeria's POV)

The great hall buzzed with conversations. It seemed everybody was curious about who they were about to be sharing a room with.

And from the look of things, I wasn't the only fresher. There were some people with bags. Obviously they didn't have to run away from their homes to be here.

Students gathered in clusters, some jostling for a better view of the massive screen flickering above the entrance. The moment the first names appeared, murmurs filled the air.

I kept to the edge of the crowd, my pulse steady but my body tight with anticipation. Every part of this academy was a test. Every move I made was being watched.

I knew that much, because I looked nothing like the other male alphas despite my claim.

They wanted to know who I was truly but there was no way I was going to let anybody know.

Especially if I don't want to get kicked out. But something about this place told me that would be the least of my worries if I were to be caught.

I scanned the names, searching for mine.

Then the whispers started.

"Did you see that?"

"No way. That has to be a mistake."

My stomach clenched. I followed their gazes, heart slamming into my ribs as my name appeared beside one I instantly recognized.

Cassian Virex.

The Golden Boy of Dominion Academy.

The best fighter, the most ruthless competitor. A prodigy born of an elite alpha bloodline, carrying a reputation so untouchable that he had never shared a room with anyone. Until now.

I swallowed hard, keeping my face neutral even as my pulse roared in my ears. What was the principal thinking pairing me up with Virex?

He probably suspected something and wanted Cassian to catch me. Things just got muddy now.

"Well, he's screwed," someone muttered nearby.

I didn't know if they meant Cassian or me.

Then, I felt it. A weight that I've come to know belongs only to an alpha. His presence pressed down against me like a shadow stretching over my body.

Cassian stood on the opposite side of the hall, arms crossed, jaw tight, gray eyes locked onto mine with pure, simmering irritation. He wasn't happy.

But then neither was I. Something told me to be wary of him. And I knew deep within me that he had the potential of putting a dent in my plans.

I met his gaze, refusing to shrink away. Though he intimidated me, I refused to show it. With his imposing size and large scowl on his face, I should be running the other way.

But something drew me to him. Despite the irritated look on his face, there was the sharp angular face of his that had me wanting to stare at him for long.

His inky black hair was neatly styled making me feel the need to my hand through it and ruffle it.

Down to earth Valeria, I chided myself as stopped myself from mentally undressing him.

For a long moment, we just stared at each other, tension crackling between us like a storm about to break.

Then, without a word, he turned and strode out of the hall. I exhaled slowly.

I had a feeling my new roommate was going to make my life hell.

The dorms were nothing like I expected.

Spacious, luxurious, more like suites than student rooms. Dominion Academy clearly didn't just train warriors-it crafted alphas fit to rule.

I stepped inside cautiously, taking in the dark furnishings, the massive window overlooking the training fields, the single sleek desk against the wall and the chair pressed against it.

Cassian was already there.

He leaned against the table, arms still crossed like he had been in the great hall. He didn't speak at first, just watched me.

Sizing me up.

His gray eyes dragged over my frame, sharp and assessing, like he was peeling back my skin to see what lay beneath.

Well there was nothing to see, I hoped he just moved along.

I ignored him. Kept my movements slow and deliberate as I placed my bag down by the empty bed.

"You're small for an alpha," Cassian said finally, voice smooth but edged with something sharp.

I tensed.

I'd been waiting for this moment. The first challenge. I turned to him, forcing a smirk. "You're observant."

His brow lifted, like he hadn't expected me to bite back. Then he moved. Fast.

Something flashed through the air toward me-a test.

Instinct kicked in.

I barely caught the object-my fingers closed around cold metal at the last second. A dagger.

Cassian's smirk widened, unimpressed.

"Too slow," he said, pushing off the doorway.

I gritted my teeth, setting the dagger down. My body hummed with adrenaline. I hadn't expected him to throw a weapon at me the moment I walked in.

Cassian studied me like a puzzle he couldn't quite solve. I wondered what was getting under his skin, as a dangerous energy leaked into the air between us.

"You'll never last here," he murmured, turning away.

The words should have been a warning.

Instead, they felt like a challenge. I inhaled, steadying my breath. My scent was masked. My secret was safe.

But then Cassian walked past me. And my world tilted.

A scent. Faint but unmistakable.

My stomach lurched. My body went rigid.

No. No, no, no.

Mate. Panic surged through me so fast I almost swayed on my feet.

I forced myself to move, reaching into my satchel with shaking fingers. The vial of wolfsbane.

I uncorked it and took a quick, sharp dose, swallowing the bitterness down before my body could betray me.

Cassian didn't notice. He was already halfway across the room and outside, oblivious to the way my heart pounded in my chest.

I clutched the vial tighter, forcing air into my lungs.

How can this be happening? Why will my roommate be my mate? Was this some cruel joke or what?

Cassian Virex could never know the truth or it will be the end of my stay here.