Chapter 129: Pleasure to Meet You All
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~Spring's POV~
The look on everyone's face was complete and utter shock, even from my mates. But unlike the others, theirs was tinged with genuine joy.
"What?" someone whispered.
"Wait, seriously?"
One bold student, a guy with slicked-back hair and a superiority complex you could see from space, raised his hand—then didn't wait to be called on.
"On what grounds should a repeater join our class? And the first arm, no less?"
Professor Elysa didn't flinch. She turned slightly to me, then faced the class again.
"On the grounds that Miss Kaine came second in the state-level senior year test. A test conducted under timed pressure, in the presence of eleven lecturers and the principal herself. And she finished before the allotted time."
The room erupted with murmurs.
"I don't believe it."
"Lies. I heard she cheated."
"Storm must've bribed them."
Professor Elysa raised a hand, silencing them all. "Believe what you will. But based on her results, Spring Kaine scored 147 out of 150. The only student ahead of her is your very own Storm Draven, who scored 148."
More gasps followed. A few jaws actually dropped.
It was hard to believe for most of the students, I know.
But they could choke on their baseless rumours.
Professor Elysa didn't stop there. "And might I add, before baseless rumours start circulating. It was recorded and checked adequately before the final verdict was reached. Not once did Miss Kaine cheat."
"It doesn't make sense," another girl, a brunette, stood up and objected.
Once more, Professor Elysa turned to face her. "No one asked you to speak, so sit."
The girl muttered something as she sat down while staring daggers at me.
"If you have any issues with this placement, you're welcome to schedule a meeting with Principal Yelena… or retake the same test under the same conditions. If not, I suggest you swallow your pride and accept her as one of your own."
From the far side of the room, a girl scoffed. Her silver-streaked black hair and sharp eyes reminded me of Serissa's attitude. "Just because the Alpha heirs are her mates doesn't mean she belongs here."
That's when Storm moved.
He moved forward slowly, aura leaking into the air like heat from a furnace. His voice dropped darkly.
"Just because your father's an Alpha doesn't give you the right to speak to my mate like that. Know your place, Yvonne."
The girl flinched.
Tyrion didn't miss a beat and spoke next. "She proved herself. Now stop being a crybaby and shut up before I do it for you."
The room froze. No one dared speak when they spoke. They weren't called Alpha heirs for nothing, nor was their parents' status all they had to boast about.
They were powerful in their own way and excelled in whatever aspect they focused on, whether academics, skills, or anything else.
Well, until I came.
I overheard one of the Professors mention that the other three heirs drew, and scored 146 out of 150, just as I closed the door back at the Staff Meeting Room.
Professor Elysa gave a small, satisfied nod, then turned to me. "You may take a seat, Miss Kaine."
I spotted an empty desk near the middle and started toward it, but before I could get there, the girl beside it gave me a sharp look—then calmly placed her bag on the chair.
I smirked, looking at her. I didn't move and was about to reach for her bag and put it where it belonged, under my feet, when the sound that pulled my attention not occurred.
Ah.
Storm's chair scraped across the floor. "Move," he said to the guy sitting beside him.
The boy didn't argue. Just grabbed his bag and scurried away to the seat the girl was protecting.
She whipped her head to the back where Storm sat. One look and she immediately picked up her bag for him to sit.
I looked on, amused at the hierarchy. It was a good thing she still knew how to behave.
I wasn't going to toss my mate's favour and influence away when they wanted to help me.
I intended to live a peaceful life in this body and put my enemies down.
And who was I to say no to the favour the Moon Goddess so beautifully bestowed upon me in the form of four handsome hunks?
Storm patted the now-empty seat beside him and looked at me. "Come sit, mate. Let them stew in jealousy. You're better than all of them."
Jace winked at me from behind him, and Kael gave a single approving nod.
Tyrion, now leaning back with arms crossed, simply said, "Welcome to the jungle."
I took the seat beside Storm, trying not to smile too hard.
But while that was my outer situation, Jade always found a way to tease me.
"And just like that… Spring Kaine entered the lion's den. With four lions ready to tear anyone apart for her. I can't wait to have all of them."
And damn it, I felt like I truly belonged.
"Okay, Spring Kaine, would you like to introduce yourself to your classmates before we continue?"
I looked up at the lecturer. Professor Elysa was already gone.
Without hesitation, I stood up, spine straight and chin lifted, sweeping my gaze slowly across the room.
I could feel the tension like a wire stretched tight, humming in the silence. Some students looked openly curious, others smug, and a few just bored.
And then there were the ones glaring at me like I'd stolen their lunch.
I smiled.
"Hi," I began, keeping my tone even. "I'm Spring Kaine. I just got reassigned to Class 3A following the Principal's approval. I'll be completing my senior year here with all of you."
A beat of silence followed.
"My hobbies include reading, learning new things, and surviving endless rumours. You might've heard of me already—most of you have—but let me say it plainly: I didn't get here because of my mates. I got here because I worked for it. And just like the rest of you… I'm not going anywhere."
Another pause, and I added one more line for good measure.
"Pleasure to meet you all."