Ruby's POV
The force behind her slap nearly knocked me off balance. My cheek burned and my ears rang from the impact.
"Stop this immediately!" Headmistress Anaya rushed between us, her arms spread wide to shield me. "Mrs. Rodriguez, violence has no place in our school! What message does this send to our students?"
Derick's mother raised her chin defiantly. "Move aside, Principal. My father-in-law sits on Alpha Elias's council as an elder. A slap is nothing compared to what this woman deserves. My son was injured because of her presence. I could kill her for what happened today!"
Anaya's jaw clenched as she fought to control her temper. "Miss Ross is the Alpha's chosen companion. She's also our honored guest..."
"Honored guest, my foot!" The woman's laugh was sharp and bitter. "She's nothing but his current plaything. A temporary distraction. One word from my father-in-law, and she'll never become Luna of this pack."
