CHAPTER 149: FINDING A JOB.

Angela scrolled through her phone, her heart sinking a little more with each search. She had been trying to find a job that required no experience. It sounded simple, yet it was harder than she imagined. After all, she had only started using a phone when she entered the academy.

"I heard there are on-site jobs in the academy, but I don’t know if they’ll hire us," Alex said softly, watching her with concern. His mind had been restless, searching for ways to help her gather the money she needed. "Maybe we should check them out."

"Won’t it affect our studies?" Stales asked carefully. He knew what was at stake. Alex was at the top of the general board, but he and Angela were still struggling to climb into the top three hundred.

"No. I already spoke to Samuel," Alex explained with calm assurance. "He’ll try to find something that isn’t too demanding. We won’t work long, maybe a week or two, just enough to help, then we can focus on our tests and exams."

Angela frowned, her thoughts turning heavy. Why were they saying we? She was the one who needed the job, not them. They had done so much already. It felt wrong to drag them into her troubles.

"Alright, guys," she said at last, placing her hands on the table. They had just come from a long class and were on break before swimming. She looked at their faces, full of concern, and her chest ached with gratitude. "I know you want to help me, but this is something I’ll do alone. You’ve all done enough already. Thank you, truly."

"There’s no way we’re letting you carry this alone," Stales blurted out, unable to accept her refusal. It stung him that she thought they would step back when she needed them the most.

Angela’s eyes softened. "I think it’s better this way. You’ve been my strength since I got here. You’ve stood by me when I had no one. That means more to me than you know. So please... let’s not argue about it."

But Alex leaned forward, refusing to let her build that wall. "You should see it differently, Angela. Right now you’re in trouble, and as friends, we should face it together. Tomorrow it could be me or Stales in your position. And when that time comes, wouldn’t you do the same for us?" His voice was steady, but his eyes carried a plea she couldn’t turn away from.

Angela’s lips parted but no words came. He had left her with no way out. She lowered her gaze and gave a small nod, though her heart was still heavy.

It was then Stales spoke, his words cutting through the silence. "Why don’t you tell the Alphas?"

Angela’s head snapped up, shock flashing in her eyes. It was clear she didn’t like the thought.

"I know you want to handle things on your own," Stales continued gently, "but keeping it from them might not be the best choice. What if we can’t raise the money? If I were in your place, I wouldn’t hide this from them. I’d go straight to them for help."

Angela stared at him, her voice faint as she asked, "What are you saying, Stales?"

"The truth, buddy. I’m not saying you should run to them every time you face a problem, but this one feels different. We need your mates’ help. Who knows, one of them might even find you a job if you don’t want to take their money."

"I am not doing that," Angela replied firmly, her lips twisting as she folded her arms across her chest. She glanced at Alex, expecting him to speak up for her, but he just sat there watching quietly. Her heart tightened. Was he actually agreeing with Stales? "Alex, say something, please."

"What?" Alex asked at last, his voice calm. "You should do what you feel is right. Whatever choice you make, we’ll still be here. We’ll always be your support system."

Angela blinked back the tears that stung her eyes. That small reassurance meant more than she could say. "Thank you so much," she whispered, her voice breaking. She turned to Stales, who sighed heavily, then gave a small nod, accepting her decision even if he didn’t agree with it.

"You wanted to move out, remember?" Stales reminded her gently, pulling her mind back to something she had almost forgotten.

Angela hesitated before nodding. "Can I move to your room, Alex?"

He looked puzzled. "Why? What’s wrong with your room?"

"I have four mates," Angela answered softly, her chest tightening as she spoke. "It doesn’t feel right to stay in the room with only one of them."

Alex frowned. "But you’ve been living with Kaito since the beginning, even before he found out the truth about you. What would really change if you continue to stay there?"

"The others will feel jealous, obviously. Don’t you see? It’s unfair to them." Angela’s voice trembled, surprised that Alex wasn’t understanding her. Maybe it was because he was Kaito’s Beta.

"Have they complained?" Alex pressed, his brows drawing together.

"Taros did," Stales answered quietly. He shifted uncomfortably before adding, "And sooner or later Renn will too. I was there when Taros said it."

"Did Kaito complain when Taros spent time with her without asking for his permission? Renn even started dating her and still, he did not say a word, so why are they the ones complaining now? Kaito is not the type of man who would take advantage of a woman."

"You are not getting my point, but let us leave that aside. Can I move to your room?" Angela asked, blinking at Alex with pitiful eyes, hoping his heart would soften enough to say yes.

"Unfortunately, no. Honestly, I would have loved to let you stay in my room," Alex began, his voice gentle. Stales cleared his throat loudly, dragging all eyes to him, and when Alex caught on to his teasing thought, he chose to ignore it. "The truth is you cannot move out without the Alpha’s permission. And even if he agrees, there is no guarantee that he will allow you into my room. Rooms are given based on rank within the pack, so he might place you somewhere else entirely."

"So I have to ask Kaito?" Angela said sadly. She lowered her eyes to her milkshake, sipping it quietly as if that could hide the worry in her heart. The principal had told her the same thing—that it would have to be Kaito’s decision. But deep down she wondered if he would even allow her to leave.

"Yes, Angela. I am sorry," Alex replied, his voice soft but firm. "I have gone against him a few times already, and it nearly cost me my place as Beta. I do not want to risk that again. Please, try to understand me."

"Alex told me he almost got removed as Beta," Stales added, his tone careful. Angela froze, her hand trembling as she set her drink back down on the table. Her eyes widened as she looked from one friend to the other, shock and concern written all over her face.

"It is better you ask Kaito yourself," Stales continued, meeting her gaze. "I am sure he will not refuse you. After all, you are his girlfriend."

Angela swallowed hard, her chest tightening at the thought. "I am sorry you went through that," she said softly to Alex, her voice laced with worry.

The bell rang then, pulling them all back to the present. It was time for class, and Angela knew she could no longer avoid it. She would have to ask Kaito for permission, and deep inside, she prayed he would not turn her away.

**