Bellatrix pov

The gym was buzzing as I walked in with Bree and Addison, already wishing cheer practice was over before it even began. The walls echoed with peppy chants and too-bright smiles, and Addison, naturally, was thrilled to be there.

“I am so fired up to be running cheer practice!” she cheered, her usual grin plastered across her face. “Together, we can do anything!”

Oh, I was sure we could, if we survived her enthusiasm. My eyes drifted to the bleachers, where Wyatt, Wynter, and a bunch of the other werewolves were casually lounging, watching us—or more accurately, watching me.

Addison finally noticed them too. “Sorry, but this practice space is for cheerleaders only,” she announced, overly sweet.

Wynter smirked. “Ha! Just try and get us to leave.”

Wyatt gave her a look, silently telling her to calm down. Always the peacekeeper, that one.

“Actually, Addison,” I interjected with a sly grin, “what if we invite the wolves to join us for practice? You know, to show that we’re an accepting and united squad?” I gave her my best wide-eyed, innocent look.

Addison beamed. “Oh, that’s a wonderful idea, Bellatrix! Show us what you can do! The cheer team is for everyone!”

The wolves joined us, and surprisingly, the routine was actually fun with them. We had a great rhythm, and the energy was wild and electric, unlike anything this cheer squad had seen before.

“That was amazing!” Addison gushed afterward. “You’re all natural cheerleaders!”

Wyatt came up beside me, his intense gaze holding mine as he gently took my hand. “We wolves work well together.”

I shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant. “But I’m not a wolf.”

He smiled, a quiet, knowing look in his eyes. For a brief second, it felt like the whole gym disappeared, just the two of us. But then Wynter started coughing, and her eyes flashed green.

“Wynter?” Wyatt let go of my hand and rushed to her, checking if she was okay.

I moved to follow, but a loud voice behind us interrupted. Here comes trouble.

“Well done, Addison. With werewolves in cheer, this election is so in the bag.” Bucky had a smug grin as he sauntered over.

Addison frowned. “Bucky, this isn’t about politics. I always thought cheer could unite us all.”

Bucky ignored her, continuing his little campaign speech like she hadn’t said a word. “You’re going to make a great cheer captain,” he announced, his voice dripping with fake sincerity.

Addison’s face brightened. “I am going to be cheer captain! I was thinking we could move beyond trophies and start an outreach program…”

But Bucky cut her off, all business. “I say what cheer is all about, and it’s about winning.” He then turned to the wolves, switching back to his charming candidate mode. “Vote for Bucky! Hi, I’m Bucky. Bucky Buchanan for president.”

I rolled my eyes so hard I almost saw my own brain. “Addison, why did you tell him? You knew he’d shoot it down. Maybe don’t mention your ideas until you’re officially cheer captain. You’re too busy looking for his approval, and you’re never going to get what you want like that.”

She bit her lip, conflicted. “Maybe you’re right… Or maybe I just need to be a bit more patient.”

I facepalmed, turning away as she wandered off to talk to Bree. That’s when Wyatt appeared by my side again, his voice low.

“You’re a leader, Bellatrix. But of something a lot greater than cheer.”

I looked up at him, trying to decode the mystery behind his words, but before I could ask, I spotted Zed giving me the dirtiest glare from across the gym. What is his problem?

“Excuse me,” I muttered to Wyatt, marching over to Zed with a sarcastic grin.

“What’s with the look, Zed?” I asked, not bothering with pleasantries.

“Werewolves,” he said, disgust clear in his tone. “They’re not interested in fitting in.”

I crossed my arms, unimpressed. “What makes you think that? Just because they didn’t want to vote for you yesterday? They seemed to be having a good time with cheer today.”

“No, they’re not into cheer. They’re into you.” His eyes narrowed. “And you’re into him… them.”

“Hold up,” I said, my voice sharp as a blade. “First of all, I’m not your girlfriend, Zed, and you’re not my boyfriend. You’re Addison’s boyfriend, so let’s not forget that. And second, even if I was interested in Wyatt, that’s my choice, not yours. We’re not friends, and I don’t even like you. The only reason I put up with you is because of Addison, so don’t get it twisted.” My patience was wearing thin. “Why are you acting like this? You’re being even more of a jerk than usual.”

“You don’t know how hard it was for zombies. Now everything’s just being handed to the werewolves on a silver platter.”

I blinked, a little stunned. “So, you’re jealous of them? Because they aren’t jumping through hoops like you did?”

“Yes,” he admitted quietly.

“That’s selfish, Zed! You should be happy that you paved the way for other monsters to be accepted in Seabrook.”

He crossed his arms, frustration etched on his face. “I’m trying to win an election for my people, for Addison, so we can go to Prawn and be accepted.”

“Zed!” I snapped, exasperated. “Listen to yourself. You’re starting to sound exactly like Bucky. Look at your campaign poster.” I pointed to one where he looked more human than zombie. “That’s not acceptance; that’s fear of being who you are.”

He scoffed. “Says the girl who wore a wig until high school.”

My fists clenched. “First off, Addison never should’ve told you that—it’s none of your damn business. And second, yeah, I wore a wig. But you know what? I’m not ashamed of my hair color. It makes me unique. At least I can respect a pack of werewolves who are proud of who they are, unlike some hypocrites I know.”

Without another word, I stormed off, my anger boiling over. I barely noticed Wyatt and Luna watching from the bleachers, their expressions unreadable.

---

Luna’s POV

From the bleachers, I watched Bellatrix storm away, her fiery spirit blazing brighter than ever. Her confrontation with Zed had only reinforced what Wyatt and I had known for some time.

“It’s time, Wyatt,” I whispered, my eyes never leaving Bellatrix’s retreating figure. “It’s time to tell Bellatrix the truth about who she really is.”