Hatred

Jayden’s POV:

I woke up to the soft hum of morning birds outside my window, their melodies carried by a gentle breeze that rustled the curtains. My alarm clock buzzed sharply, and I slapped my hand against it to silence the noise. Another day at this human school. Another day of trying to fit in.

The smell of breakfast wafted into my room, making my stomach rumble. As much as I tried to avoid it, I couldn’t escape the warmth of my family’s morning routine. I trudged down the stairs, still half-asleep, to find Mom bustling around the kitchen. Her caramel-colored hair was tied in a messy bun, and her apron bore traces of flour and grease.

“Morning, Jayden,” she said with a warm smile, placing a plate of eggs and toast on the table.

“Morning,” I mumbled, rubbing the back of my neck.

“Don’t forget to pack something for lunch,” she added, her tone playful but firm.

“Mom, I’m not a kid anymore,” I replied, rolling my eyes. “I don’t need a packed lunch.”

She sighed, wiping her hands on the apron. “You’re a growing boy. Werewolf or not, you need to eat properly. And don’t think I don’t notice when you come home starving.”

I grabbed a piece of toast from the plate and took a bite, grinning at her. “I’ll be fine, I promise.”

Before she could argue further, I slung my backpack over my shoulder and headed for the door. “Love you, Mom!”

“Love you too! Be careful!” she called after me.

The walk to school was uneventful, the streets quiet save for the occasional car. I kept my hands in my pockets, trying to focus on controlling my breathing. The full moon was approaching, and my wolf was restless. Every sound seemed sharper, every scent more vivid. I clenched my fists, determined to keep it together.

When I reached the school gates, the usual chatter of students greeted me. I caught a few curious glances from my classmates. Being the new kid was always awkward, but for me, it was more than that. I wasn’t just new—I was different.

As I walked through the hallways, I noticed Liam leaning casually against his locker, flanked by his usual group of friends. His eyes locked onto mine, and a smirk spread across his face. It wasn’t a friendly smirk; it was the kind that promised trouble.

“Morning, freak,” he called out, his voice loud enough for everyone nearby to hear.

I ignored him and kept walking, my heart pounding in my chest.

“Don’t think you can avoid me forever, Jayden!” he added, laughing with his friends.

I made it to my first class—English—without any further incidents. The classroom was already buzzing with activity as students chatted and settled into their seats. I took a seat near the back, hoping to go unnoticed.

“Hey,” a voice said beside me.

I turned to see a boy with messy brown hair and glasses. He looked nervous but friendly. “I’m Ethan. You’re new, right?”

“Yeah,” I replied, offering a small smile.

“Mind if I sit here?” he asked, gesturing to the seat next to mine.

“Go ahead.”

Ethan sat down, adjusting his glasses. “Don’t worry about Liam. He’s a jerk to everyone, especially new kids. Just ignore him.”

I nodded, grateful for the advice. But ignoring Liam was easier said than done.

As the teacher began the lesson, I tried to focus on the material, but my senses were on high alert. I could feel Liam’s gaze burning into the back of my head. When I glanced over my shoulder, there he was, leaning back in his chair with that same infuriating smirk.

“The new kid’s a freak,” he whispered to his friends, loud enough for me to hear. “Bet he’s hiding something.”

They laughed, and my hands balled into fists under the desk. I forced myself to take deep breaths, refusing to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.

The class dragged on, and I barely absorbed any of the lesson. My wolf stirred restlessly within me, sensing my unease.

When the bell finally rang for lunch, I followed the crowd to the cafeteria. The smell of food hit me like a wave, but my appetite had vanished. I grabbed a tray of food and found a quiet corner to sit.

Ethan joined me, carrying his own tray. “Mind if I sit here again?”

“Not at all,” I said, managing a small smile.

We were just starting to eat when the cafeteria grew eerily quiet. I looked up to see Liam making his way toward me, his presence commanding attention.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the new kid,” he said, loud enough for the entire room to hear.

I kept my eyes on my food, hoping he would get bored and move on.

“So, Jayden,” Liam continued, leaning over my table, “how does it feel to be the school’s punching bag? Enjoying your spot at the bottom?”

Laughter erupted around us, and my face burned with humiliation. I clenched my fists, willing myself to stay calm.

“Get lost, Liam,” I muttered under my breath.

He leaned in closer, his voice dripping with mockery. “Oh, I don’t think so. You see, I’m just getting started.”

Ethan shifted uncomfortably beside me, clearly intimidated. I wanted to stand up for him, but I knew I had to keep my wolf in check.

After what felt like an eternity, Liam finally left, laughing with his friends as they walked away.

“Thanks for not losing it back there,” Ethan said quietly. “He’s been worse to other people.”

I nodded, but my mind was racing. This wasn’t just about me anymore. Liam was testing me, and I couldn’t let him win.

Gym class was my next challenge. I changed into my uniform quickly, hoping to avoid any more confrontations. But as I walked into the locker room, I realized it was empty. Too empty.

Liam appeared in the doorway, blocking my exit.

“Move,” I said firmly, trying to keep my voice steady.

He chuckled, stepping closer. “What’s the rush? Got somewhere to be?”

I took a step back, my wolf growling inside me. The full moon was too close. I couldn’t afford to lose control.

“You’re hiding something, Jayden,” Liam said, his voice taunting. “And I’m going to figure out what it is.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I replied through gritted teeth.

He smirked, clearly enjoying himself. “We’ll see about that.”

Before I could respond, he grabbed my arm, twisting it just enough to make me flinch. The pain was a sharp reminder of my vulnerability.

“Let go,” I growled, my voice low and dangerous.