Aria.

The air definitely felt heavier in here. Just standing in front of Ravencrest High School, I could feel the heavy weight of something bad settle deep in my stomach.

A massive building stood in front of us, bigger and more intimidating than Silverwood High ever was. It was a towering structure with big windows that I could almost feel eyes watching us from them. It had black and silver engravings and the big Raven crest logo hanging from a flag. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

I swallowed hard as I felt Lila’s arm grave mine as if nudging me to look at something. I followed her direction to notice some Ravencrest students heading into the school building. They were staring at us, sneering even.

All twenty of us stood in front of the school eating what was left of our sandwiches because they hadn’t given us enough time to have them in the dorms. But at the sight of the Ravens, we stopped immediately as they looked down on us.

It was clear from their first glance, we didn’t belong here and they didn’t like us.

The Ravens as we called them moved in a very quiet arrogance, they held their head high and their sharp eyes were cold and assessing. They wore the same uniform as us but there was a slight difference. Instead of the same sweaters we had on, they had sharp navy blue blazers that had been tailored perfectly for each of them. And their ties were navy blue instead of the silver ones we wore.

But apart from the clear distinction in our uniforms another thing that set the Ravencrest and the Silverwoods was the way they held themselves.

They looked perfect, poised. Their uniforms were sharp and neat and their postures screamed confidence from every angle. Meanwhile all twenty of us stood awkwardly in front of the school as if we didn’t know what to do, trying to adjust into our new uniforms.

Mrs Holt, the dorm leader, had told us to wait here and we would be addressed by the principal of the school.

And just immediately, a woman stepped out from the building. She was a tall figure, elegant and had sharp features. She wore a dark green pantsuit and a silver Ravencrest emblem pinned to her chest.

I knew she was the principal. I could feel her aura as her eyes swept over us, cold, stern and unreadable.

“Welcome to Ravencrest High,” she said, her voice sharp and precise. “I am Principal Regina Hartley. And as you all know, you are here as a part of your pack’s transition into Ravencrest. It is our duty to ensure that you are fully integrated into our pack effectively.”

I glanced at Lila who met my gaze with a worried look. They didn’t want to integrate us. They wanted us to submit to their rules.

The principal stopped stepping aside as some students came out of the building, about ten of them and they stood beside her. They looked smart and poised too, and like the rest, they watched with curiosity. I also noticed some students had opened their windows and some stood at the balconies looking down at us and some even taking pictures on their phones and laughing.

“To ensure your smooth transition into Ravencrest High, two of you would be paired and assigned to a Ravencrest student as your guide. They would introduce you to the school’s structure and system. They would be here to assist you in adapting to our way of life.”

“Or keep a tab on us.” I murmured gently to Lila who nodded in agreement.

I listened as the Principal called out names and parodying my pack mates with vacuous raven students. One by one, our people stapled forward, stiff and exhausted as they were matched with their guides.

And then she called out names.

“Aria Langston and Lila Monroe, you will be assigned to Maya Rivera. You are all dismissed. Classes start at fifteen, no late entries.” She finished before disappearing into the building.

“What do you think she’s like? Our guide I mean?” Lila asked and I shrugged as a petite girl stepped towards us. She was slightly smaller than the other guides, around our heights. She had a warm olive skin and dark brown wavy hair that reached her shoulders. Her hazel eyes and pointed nose were surrounded with freckles.

“Hello, I’m Maya.” She said softly with a genuine smile. “I’ll be your guide this term. And which one of you is Aria?”

“I am.” I responded as she smiled wider.

“You’re the one who was the captain of the Debates club at your school?”

“Yeah?” I raised a brow. “How did you know that?”

“Oh we have your files here and we’ve been given some information about you prior to your resumption.”

“Are you kidding?” Lila asked as I finally noticed a bunch of files on her arm. “Can we have a look?”

“I’m sorry that’s private information. But I’m sure there’s so much more to you than some pieces of paper and I’m looking forward to finding more about you. The good thing is we are in the same grade so we can become good friends.” Maya said cheerfully and Lila and I exchanged wary glances before following her into the school.

“Come on. I’ll walk you through everything.” Maya said as we stood behind her taking everything in. Ravencrest was even bigger and more beautiful on the inside.

Students filled the hall, some in front of their lockers that lined the side of the wall. I observed the Ravens. They looked so smart and confident as they moved. Some of them sent us glares or scowls but I didn’t mind.

As we walked, I noticed the Ravens had a similar name tag to us, pinned to their blazers but something about theirs was different but I couldn’t tell.

“Ravencrest High school is home to thousands of students in our pack. And some other pack members have transferred here due to our high quality of education and wolf training.” Maya turned to us and I looked down at her tag.

Maya Rivera. Rank 6. Strength: 4/10.

My eyes narrowed as I raised a brow.

Rank?

“What’s the ranking system here?” I suddenly asked, cutting her shirt as she spoke and Lila followed my eyes and spotted her tag.

“Oh. It’s our pack hierarchy. Every wolf in Ravencrest is ranked based on your status and their role.” She explained.

Rank 6? Did that mean that was low?

“Yeah I know, not really impressive.” She chuckled in embarrassment before she started walking and we followed behind.

Here at Ravencrest. It is important that everyone knows their place and their importance on the pack. It helps us recognize who is higher than us. It’s simple.

Rank 1 is the highest, only the alphas belong in that rank.

Rank 2 wolves are betas, second in commands, elders and their children.

Rank 3 includes the scout leaders, hunter leaders, and basically and wolf that holds a position of leadership.

Rank 4 included the scouts, guards, hunters, fighters, doctors, nurses and medical trainees.” Maya explained easily as we listened closely.

“Rank 5 are mostly the caregivers, those who focus on farming, production, maintenance and stuff like that.”

“And Rank 6?” Lila asked.

Maya gave us a thin smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Those of us who don’t hold any real position. Wolves without no claim to power or leadership. Just ordinary wolves.”

I frowned seeing her shoulders slump. She was one of the lowest ranked wolves on Ravencrest. It makes sense why she didn’t look down on us in disgust.

Because she wasn’t much different from us.

“It’s almost the same as being an omega. But Ravencrest likes to deal with numbers. In the coming months your ranks would be decided in the training you undergo and then the ranking ceremony would take place and your tags would be changed to display your position to everyone. But more information would be given about that in the coming events.”

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes as Maya continued down the hall.

“The ranking system keeps everything in order. And just so you know everyone here follows it.”

“Of course they do.” I said under my breath and didn’t say anything else as she stopped in front of a locker and tapped her fingers against it.

“Locker 246. This one is yours Aria.”

I stepped forward hesitantly as I looked at the tall lockers, they were bigger than the ones we had back home.

I turned to ask Maya something about keeping snacks in them when I noticed her staring at the locker beside mine.

Locker 245.

I saw something flicker across her eyes that looked like hesitation and a bit of fear?

“What’s wrong?” I asked as I exchanged glances with Lila who was frowning at her reaction too.

“Nothing.” She answered quickly before handing me a folded piece of paper. This is your timetable. It has your schedule, class times and locations. Inside your locker you would see your textbooks and notebooks inside.” She said before taking Lila’s arm and pulling her further down the hall.

I felt a strange feeling in my stomach. She was acting differently. I turned to the locker beside mine. Locker 245. There was nothing special about it so why was she so uncomfortable?

“Come on Lila. Let’s find your locker next.” She said quickly as she looked down the hall briefly and Lila shot me a questioning look obviously noticing the tension that had come between us. I shrugged at her.

“I’ll see you at lunch in the cafeteria. Everyone has lunch at the same time.” Maya said and Lila waved at me and adjusted her bag strap nervously.

“Wait at the entrance, ok?” I told her as she nodded before she pulled Lila hurriedly down the hall and I watched them walk down the hall.

What was that about?

I eyed her movement for a few seconds but I couldn’t decipher what had her panties in a twist. I shifted my gaze to the locker again. It was normal. But if Maya, a raven who has spent years in the school, felt nervous about some locker. Then maybe I should too.

I looked around to see other students walking around the hall, some of them looked at me with disgust and some snickered. I noticed some of their tags with their strength. 5/10, many had 6/10 and some even 7/10. I don’t notice any strength higher than 7.

I shivered and opened the locker to find my textbooks and notebooks neatly arranged. I unfolded my timetable and scanned it to find that my first period was Mathematics. I quickly took out my textbook and a notebook. I needed to hurry before the locker beside me magically turned into some monster because I couldn’t understand why Maya had been scared.

I sighed, pushing my glasses up my nose and I mentally prepared myself for the first day in Ravencrest High. It was obvious that this wasn’t just a school. It was enemy territory and we were nothing more than unwanted guests.

I pushed my textbook to my chest and muttered a small prayer to the moon goddess, inhaling deeply as I tried to prepare myself.

I closed my locker and turned only to slam straight into a solid wall of muscle beside me. The impact sent me stumbling backward and my glass slid off the bridge of my nose.

I grunted, finding my balance as I quickly used my glasses up my nose and blinked up at the figure towering over me.

He was standing way too close.

But it wasn’t his height that stopped me in my tracks. My heart leapt into my throat as my gaze found his name tag pinned to his blazer. The bold letters practically glaring at me.

Kai Blackthorn.

Rank 1.

Strength: 10/10.

My breath caught.

10/10?

My stomach twisted and all I could do was stand there, my pulse hammering in my chest as I suddenly felt a wave of weakness in my bones. And for the first time in Ravencrest territory, I felt truly powerless.

Aria.

The hallway blurred around me as my eyes locked on the name tag in front of me.

Kai Blackthorn.

Rank 1.

Strength: 10/10.

The numbers on the tag felt like a silent warning to anyone who gazed upon it. I had seen other ravens with 6, 7, but no higher. This was the perfect score, this was the highest score. This person was the strongest wolf in all of Ravencrest High.

My pulse quickened as I felt a tingling feeling in my right shoulder where I had been bit. It was sharp and intense, different from the usual pain that dulled it.

Instinctively, I took a step back as I gripped my textbook closer to my chest as if to shield me from the overwhelming presence of the person in front of me.

But he didn’t move. He stood there, watching me.

So I decided to look up, slowly, he was imposingly tall as I took in the sight of his polished shoes, his neatly ironed trousers and his white button up shirt with Ravencrest blazer that fit him perfectly and honed his biceps and stretched over his broad shoulders. His black tie was hung carelessly over his neck and then I came across his face.

The first features I noticed about his face were his strong jawline and cheekbones carved like marble. Then he had a sharp nose and I could already feel how attractive he was.

And then there were his eyes.

Piercing blue like the color of a winter storm, in them there was a sheen of silver that flickered just beneath the surface. He had bright blonde hair that was tousled around his face, it was so annoyingly perfect because he looked like he had run his fingers through them so many times.

This man was handsome. He looked like he had stepped out of the pages of a model magazine.

I met his eyes again and couldn’t help the way my stomach flipped. Those piercing blue eyes pinned me in place, studying, dissecting and watching me.

There was something about him.

He was strong. But he was dangerous.

And he knew it.

He was a predator in human skin. And I was standing right in front of him.

A slow smirk curled his perfect lips as he looked down on me, his eyes filled with amusement that sent a wave of fear through me.

“You’re blocking my locker, stray.” His voice was low and smooth, but there was a sharpness to it, a low commanding tone that almost made me stay back and give him a bow of apology.

But I blinked at the nickname. Stray?

“Excuse me?” I said, feeling a bit of anger as I felt my fear start to dissolve.

His smile widened as he took a step towards me and I swallowed hard, the fear resurfacing as my heart thumped loudly in my chest.

“Isn’t that what you Silverwood wolves are called now? Small, little wolves who we allowed to stay in our pack and be given basic amenities and education that your pack couldn't provide you..” He said so arrogantly, his voice low and taunting as if he was testing my patience.

My stomach twisted. Of course they gave us such names. Stray. As if they weren’t the one who attacked us and took us prisoners!

It was cruel and my skin itched with irritation as I clenched my jaw. “I have a name.” I said angrily as he took a step back and I noticed his eyes find my tag pinned to my chest.

A shudder of embarrassment washed through me as his smirk widened and I felt my fingers tremble slightly around my textbook.

“Hmm.” Kai started, “Brave for an omega.” His blue eyes flickered back to mine as I didn’t miss the dangerously smug expression in those ocean eyes.

Something in my chest tightened as humiliation filled my cheeks, staining it red. The way he said it was like something disgusting.

Like I was disgusting.

“I’m not scared of you, Kai Blackthorn.” I spat, feeling the lie at the back of my tongue as he let out a low chuckle, one that sent cold shivers down my spine.

“No?” He said and immediately took a step forward, closing the gap between us. The scent of pine and earth filled my senses as I realized how much bigger he was so close to me. My head was barely reaching his chest and I hated how I had to strain my neck to look up at him.

I almost flinched as he closed my locker tightly behind me in a loud bang.

“Then why do you look like you’re about to run?” He said as he placed his hand against my locker, pinning me in front of him. I felt my glasses graze his chest just a little.

Hadn’t he heard of personal space?

I felt my grip on my textbook tightened.

I hated him.

I hated this Kai Blackthorn.

I hated the way he made me feel small, the way his presence dominated everything around us without even trying. But most of all, I hated the way my body instinctively reacted to him, almost like it knew something that I didn’t.

I blamed it on the wolf genes. All female wolves were attracted to male wolves who had a show of strength and dominance. It was not me, it was simply nature!

I forced myself to take a deep slow breath as I looked up at him to see him smirking.

“If you’re done trying to intimidate me, which isn’t working by the way, so nice try. I would like to get to class. You know, the whole reason we are here.” I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

Kai blinked, and for the briefest moment, I saw something unreadable flash in his gaze. But it was gone just as quickly.

“You’re not going to last in Ravencrest, little omega.” He said simply as he smirked and took a step back, his eyes watching me like I was nothing more than an amusement to him.

Before I could open my mouth to give a comeback, another figure approached.

“Hey Kai. Didn’t think you'd come to class early today.”

A tall dark haired guy stood behind Kai. He was almost the same height as him. He had the same lean but muscular build and he wore the same uniform. He was a raven. His tie hung carelessly from his neck just like Kai’s.

In his hand was a football jacket and he slung it over his shoulders as he shook hands with Kai and they exchanged brotherly hugs.

I sneaked a peak at his tag pinned to his chest.

Ryder Hale.

Rank 2.

Strength: 9/10.

I gulped for a second and then his hazel eyes turned sharply to me. My stomach sank at the attention from both boys. My breath almost left me as I noticed how handsome this Ryder person was.

Were they all built like models here?

“Making new friends?” He asked Kai whose lips curled in a lazy smirk.

“Something like that.” He teased and I rolled my eyes at him.

Ryder watched me silently, unlike Kai whose expression was arrogant and cocky, his was cold and stern. His eyes caught my tag and then something flickered in his expression.

“Come on, man. Let’s go.” He said, tapping Kai on the shoulder. Kai didn’t move at first, his eyes lingered on me for a second longer, studying me as if he was trying to figure something out. I saw his lips open as if to say something but then he smirked and closed his locker beside me before turning to leave.

“Why were you talking to the strays?” I heard his friend Ryder ask as Kai shrugged as they walked down the hall and other students stepped away for them to walk through. I raised a brow.

“Nothing, she's feisty.” I heard him say as Ryder turned back at me briefly, his cold gaze studying me for a second as they escaped down the hall leaving the weight of their presence behind.

I finally exhaled before I looked up to see all eyes on me. Everyone in the hallway had been watching my interaction with Kai and Ryder. I noticed the glare they sent my way as a few whispered amongst each other.

Heat burned under my skin. I hated being the center of attraction.

I gripped my textbook closer to my chest as I lowered my gaze and started to walk down the hall, my footsteps echoed in the sudden silence.

This is bad. This is so bad.

It was just my first day at school and I had already drawn the attention of the strongest wolf in Ravencrest High.

And even worse? I had talked back at him.

His friend seems to hate me.

And the whole school was staring at me.

Aria!

I forced the thought away as I struggled to find my first class. The sooner I could blend into the background of the school, the better for me. If I wanted to survive here, I had to be invisible.

But as I moved down the hall, I couldn’t stop the tingling feeling of my right shoulder. Just at the spot of the wolf bite but that wasn’t all. I could feel someone watching me, and not just the glare of the students around me. This was intense and cold.

It was waiting.

I swallowed hard, suddenly wishing Lila was with me.

This was the beginning of my days at Ravencrest High. In enemy territory, a chill ran down the spine of my back.

And I had a terrible feeling that Kai Blackthorn wasn’t done with me yet.

Aria.

I was late. I was so late.

My shoes pounded against the silent hallway as I rushed to my first class, clutching my book to my chest as I ran.

I had spent the last fifteen minutes wandering through this moon goddess forsaken school, trying to find Room 105 where my first class was being held.

And finally I stood in front of the door, I sucked in a deep breath before I pushed open the door and stepped inside.

The moment I did, all eyes turned to me and the room fell silent.

Nice entrance, Aria!

The room was filled with about twenty students all dressed in their sharp navy blue blazers and dark blue ties, sitting perfectly at their desks. It felt like a cult how orderly they were.

I swallowed hard and turned to the teacher who stood in front of the class. A tall woman with a gray fitted dress and hair pulled back in a slick bun and sharp, cold gray eyes that glared at me.

“You’re late.” She said flatly and I nodded, chuckling nervously as I pushed my glasses further up my nose.

“I’m sorry. I got lost.” I answered softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

A few students snickered.

The teacher, her name tag read ‘Mrs Alden’, narrowed her eyes slightly. “Lost?” She asked, a faint smile curling her lips as she shook her head. “I guess it’s obvious since Silverwood wolves do lack a sense of proper direction.”

The room erupted into laughter and I felt the heat crawl at the back of my neck as I resisted the urge to glare back at her.

“Well. Since that can’t be helped, why don’t you go ahead and introduce yourself to the class.”

My stomach twisted, I had always hated introductions.

“Uhm…my name is Aria Langston. And I’m from the Silverwood pack.”

“Now let me guess. You’re an omega aren’t you? You know, one of the weak ones?” A voice interrupted me.

I stiffened.

A girl sat in the front row, twirling a long strand of platinum blonde hair around her manicured fingers. She wore a different kind of uniform, and it was obvious she was in the cheerleading team. A short skirt and crop top that showed her perfect skin. Her name tag read;

Mia Carter.

Rank 2

Strength: 6/10

The class erupted into laughter again and I felt my cheek hurt and I glanced at the teacher, expecting her to intervene but she said nothing as another girl joined in. She was seated beside Mia in the same cheerleading uniform. She had short wavy pink hair.

I looked down at her name tag and she eyed me carefully.

Tasha Greene.

Rank 2.

Strength: 5/10

They both looked flawless in perfect makeup, and legs crossed and straight posture like they were in a magazine shoot.

“Of course Mia. That’s what it says on her name tag. A tiny omega with barely enough strength to move a table.” She spat at me, sending me a sly smirk.

I squared my shoulders, my eyes narrowing as I opened my mouth to speak. “Well at least I don’t need a number on my chest to feel important.”

The room went silent for a moment and I saw Mia’s smile falter and just as Tasha opened her mouth to retort, the teacher cut in.

“Enough! Aria Langston it’s only your first day here and you are already causing trouble. That would be detention for you after school. Take a seat and don’t disturb the class again.”

I gave her a soft glare. Of course I was the one causing trouble and not the two perfect demonic Barbies in front of me. I shook my head and started to make my way to the back where one desk and chair sat.

As I headed to the back, someone stuck their foot out and I didn’t have enough time to avoid it. I stumbled almost immediately and crashed into the floor. The whole class erupted into laughter, the sound sharp and mocking and I felt tears gather at the end of my eyes.

My knees stung immediately but my pride and self confidence burned even more. I blinked back the tears, refusing to let them see me cry. Pushing myself up, I grabbed my books and adjusted my backpack and shuffled to the last desk at the end of the room, a lonely and isolated spot that felt like it had been reserved just for me. The outcast.

The stray.

As I sat down, I caught Mia’s eye. She smirked at me, her black eyes glittering with malice.

“Welcome to Ravencrest, stray. I’m sure you’re going to love it here.” She said, her voice low enough so that Mrs Alden didn’t catch it as she wrote something on the whiteboard.

I leaned closer against my desk. “Thanks for the warm welcome. I’ll be sure to return the favor.”

Her smirk faltered for a second before she quickly recovered it, flipping her perfectly blonde hair over her shoulder. “We’ll see just how long you last.”

Mrs Alden clapped, drawing everyone’s attention back to her. “Now before we continue, I have a very special announcement to make and I would need you all to listen.” She started.

“As part of Ravencrest’s effort to integrate the Silverwood wolves into our pack, the board of directors and teachers have introduced a new school contribution program. This program allows the Silverwood wolves to earn privileges, such as their own personal room instead of sharing with their fellow pack members. They can contribute to the school to earn these benefits. This could include tutoring, assisting with any events in the school or any other task that is deemed appropriate by the faculty.”

The class erupted into a series of rumors as a few of the students shot me disapproving glances.

“Excuse me?” I said as Mrs Alden rolled her eyes at me immediately.

“Miss Langston. We don’t speak like that here. We raise her hands first and I would give you permission to speak. I don’t know how asking questions is done at your own school but we do things very differently at Ravencrest. You should find that out soon.”

I raised my hand, ignoring the way some students laughed at me and Mrs Alden nodded at me. A sly smirk on her lips.

“What kind of tasks are we talking about and who decides what’s appropriate?”

“Tasks are assigned based on your skills and the needs of the school. As for who decides, it would be me or the rest of the faculty. But you Miss Langston should be considering tutoring. According to your files, it says you were one of the brightest students back at your old school. I’m sure some Ravencrest students should find that useful. As some of our students mainly focus on physical training and strength based tasks. It would be good if we can balance both their training and their school activities and that’s where you come in. Just food for thought.” She finished, raising her brows as if to ask if I was done.

But I was far from finished. “So we teach the Ravens and then we get our own rooms? Even at school we are still at your mercy. Am I right Mrs Alden?”

Her face turned red immediately and her eyes glared at me as a few students snickered around me.

“Miss Langston, you are more than welcome to decline if you have a problem with the program. That is if you don’t mind sharing your personal space with your friends.” She said and I clenched my jaw but didn’t respond.

The rest of my classes passed like a blur, the teachers had been very mean to me and the students weren’t any better. While some of them had been a bit curious about me, the others just didn’t acknowledge my presence. And thankfully, I didn’t see Mia or Tasha in any of my classes again.

I had one of my classes with my pack member and though we weren’t close, we managed to say hi and sit together for the session.

It didn’t take long for the bell to ring as I had practically zoned out of class during her teachings. If there was something I had realized, it was that Ravencrest syllabus was a few weeks behind ours. So I already knew everything they had been talking about.

As the bell rang, I grabbed my bags and books and looked down at my schedule to find out it was time for lunch. I sighed in relief. I couldn’t believe I was only half way through the day. It seemed like I had been here for three days and the time seemed to pass by very slowly.

I was finally going to see Lila and Maya. I wondered how her first classes had been. I made a mental note to ask Maya what her attitude had been all about concerning my locker in the hallway.

I headed down the hallways, following the other students as they all walked in the same direction that I assumed was the cafeteria. My thoughts went back to the school contribution program. It was a good idea to have my own room but the thought of being a personal tutor to one of the Ravens sent chills down my spine. If they were anything like Mia, Tasha or even Kai Blackthorn that I had met earlier, then I didn’t want to tutor them.

Kai Blackthorn.

At the thought of his name, I felt my right arm sting in pain where that black wolf had bitten me. I ignored it as I heard loud noises in front of me as I came to the entrance of the cafeteria.

It was huge!

Students filled the room, there was clattering of trays, loud clatter and occasional bursts of laughter. It was massive with high ceilings and long tables filled with Ravens. The air smelt of spicy food and my stomach grumbled. I scanned at the doors for any sight of Lila and Maya but didn’t see any of them. I leaned against the doors on the end of the entrance so they could easily see me when they arrived.

I looked around, spotting a few of my pack members. They looked so out of place, it was obvious that we didn’t fit in. With our separate uniforms and our heads down and our confused faces, it was obvious that we felt like outcasts.

My heart ached as I felt tears gather at the end of my eyes at the sight of my people. Wrenched away from our pack and forced to live with the enemy. Was there any fate worse than that?

I guess there was because I felt a tap on my shoulder and I turned to face Kai Blackthorn.

He was even more intimidating up close, his piercing blue eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my breath hitch. His blonde hair was slightly messy, like he’d just run his fingers through it, and his blazer hung open, revealing the crisp white shirt underneath. He looked like he’d just stepped out of a magazine, and it was infuriating.

“Lost again, little omega?” He asked, his voice low and teasing as he stood in front of some other students who were in similar jerseys as him. I assumed they were all members of the school football or something. I couldn’t figure out what sport it was.

“I’m waiting for someone.” I said sharply.

“Who? Your little stray friends?”

“As a matter of fact. Yes.” I responded as he smirked at me, a sharp ache pulsed through my right shoulder, right where the black wolf had bitten me. I winced, my hand instinctively reaching for the spot. Kai’s eyes flicked to my shoulder, and for a moment, his smirk faded completely. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but before he could, a voice interrupted.

“Kai, let’s go. We’ve got practice after lunch.”

I turned to see Ryder Hale standing a few feet away, his hazel eyes cold and assessing as they flicked between me and Kai. He looked every bit as dangerous as Kai, but where Kai was all arrogance and charm, Ryder was quiet intensity.

Kai glanced at Ryder, then back at me, his smirk returning. “Duty calls,” he said, his tone light but his eyes lingering on me for a moment longer. “Don’t get into too much trouble, little omega.”

I glared at him, my shoulder still throbbing. “I’ll try not to.”

He chuckled, low and dark, before turning to follow Ryder. The two of them walked away, their presence commanding the room like they owned it.

My stomach twisted as they walked into the cafeteria and some students stepped out of the way for him.

Something was up with him. He had an aura of power around him and whatever it was, my shoulder seemed to sting whenever he was around me. It felt like I was in a dangerous game.

And if I wasn’t careful, I’d get burned.

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