Penelope's POV
Outside the window, dark clouds loomed heavily, their ashen masses pressing down on the rooftop of the school building. Yet, despite the oppressive gloom, the rain refused to fall, casting an especially suffocating atmosphere. Inside the classroom, the teacher clicked through PowerPoint slides at the podium. I pretended to pay attention, but my mind was preoccupied with calculating my savings. Despite scrimping and saving every day, my funds were far from sufficient—at least not enough to afford renting an apartment alone while still spending hundreds of dollars on a dress.
I had initially considered not buying the dress. But when I stood in front of my pitifully bare wardrobe—really just a makeshift shelf—and rummaged through it fruitlessly, failing to find a single presentable dress, I knew the expense was unavoidable.
I had no right to splurge, but at the very least, on the day I turned 18, I wanted to look slightly prettier—even if I were the only one to see it.
My gaze drifted from the PowerPoint slides to Mia's empty seat, and a pang of loneliness struck me.
Mia was still at home recovering from the flu, which meant I'd have to work my shift at the restaurant alone.
Alone.
Most of my life had been spent in solitude. I was too lonely. If only I had a wolf, if only I had a mate—at least then I'd have one more companion.
The bell rang, signaling the end of class. As I packed up my bag to head to the restaurant, an unfamiliar black-haired girl approached me.
"Are you Penelope Woods?"
"Yes," I answered hesitantly. "Can I help you?"
"Zayn told me to tell you to meet him in the little garden after school."
"Wh-what?" Zayn? The Zayn I knew?
But the girl didn't bother to clarify. Without another word, she turned and walked away.
I stood frozen, unsure what to do. Why would Zayn want to see me? He had never spoken to me at school before. Did he even remember who I was?
No one except Mia knew about my crush on Zayn, so the chances of this being a trap were slim. I glanced at the clock on the wall. If I just took a quick look, I'd still have enough time to make it to the restaurant.
Yes, I'd just peek. If no one was there, or if it was some other Zayn, I'd leave immediately.
Against the flow of students, I made my way to the school's back gate. The little garden near the gate was a secluded but scenic spot, complete with a small hedge maze. It used to be a popular rendezvous for couples, but after a series of muggings and assaults, people had stopped going there.
Boom— A low roll of thunder rumbled across the sky, muffled as if someone had wrapped it in cloth. The sound was heavy, ominous, yet the rain still refused to fall. My fingers tightened around the strap of my backpack, and unease coiled in my stomach.
What if it really was Zayn? What would I even say?
Suddenly, I became acutely aware of my own body—too scrawny, my breasts too small, my hips not curvy enough, my clothes hopelessly outdated.
Maybe I really should buy myself a few new outfits.
Lost in these thoughts, I arrived at the garden's entrance, only to find no one there.
Of course…
Just as I couldn't decide whether to feel disappointed or relieved, a khaki nylon sling bag caught my eye from behind the gate.
It was the same bag Zayn always carried.
I swallowed hard, my throat dry, and cautiously stepped toward the bag.
"Zayn? Did you ask for me?" I called out softly.
No response.
I tried again, slightly louder this time.
"Zayn?"
"So it's true. You do like Zayn. Hahahahahaha!"
A rough, grating voice erupted behind me. I spun around, and a pair of malicious, squinting eyes locked onto mine.
Scott…
"You look surprised. What, shocked that I know about your little crush?" Scott's grin stretched unnaturally wide, his eyes bulging with excitement like a demon's. "Guess who told me?"
Who? Who could it be? Mia? No, impossible—I refused to believe it…
My face paled, my lips trembling uncontrollably.
"Looks like little Woods is about to cry for her mommy!" Scott cackled, sauntering closer until he was right in front of me. He leaned in, his hot breath damp against my ear. "Want me to tell you? Hmm?"
His sweaty, clammy palm slid from my shoulder to my neck. I stood paralyzed, like a scarecrow under a spell, unable to move.
"Aww, how pathetic." Seeing the tears welling in my eyes, Scott's grin widened. Without warning, he tightened his grip on my throat, forcing me to my knees. "But you know what? Your tears just make me even harder!"
With one hand, he undid the button of his jeans; with the other, he gripped his thick, swollen cock, pressing it against my lips. I jerked back instinctively, but a hand yanked me forward, fingers digging into my jaw to force my mouth open.
"Open wide and do your job!"
His cock slammed into my mouth without warning, hitting the back of my throat. I gagged violently, but before I could adjust, he thrust again, harder.
"Suck it properly! Do I have to teach you everything?"
Scott grabbed my head with both hands, rutting into my mouth like an animal. His hips pistoned faster, his cock swelling even thicker.
"Ah~ ah~" He threw his head back, panting, never slowing his brutal pace. Precum dripped down my throat, and my jaw ached as if it might dislocate.
Suddenly, he yanked me off. I coughed and retched, gasping for air.
But Scott didn't wait. He seized my hair, dragging me to a secluded corner before tearing at my clothes.
"No! Stop! Please let me go!"
I screamed, thrashing beneath him, but my strength was no match for his. He pinned me effortlessly, his weight immovable.
"Shut up and strip! This is what you were born for!" He ripped off my bra, biting and sucking at my breasts until I shrieked in pain.
His wet, slobbering mouth trailed down to my navel. I stared helplessly at the sky, my stomach churning with nausea.
Deciding my hands were too much of a nuisance, Scott grabbed my discarded underwear and used it to bind my wrists in a tight knot. He smirked, squeezing my jaw. "Behave, and I'll go easy on you."
"Please don't—" My voice broke into sobs.
With a cruel laugh, he yanked down my pants, exposing me completely. He forced my legs apart, grinding his cock against me, the slick friction making my skin crawl.
I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to block out the horror of what was happening—this rape with no hope of rescue.
Scott chuckled darkly, leaning down to whisper in my ear:
"Here I come, hahahahaha!"