SIX

The hallway was buzzing, students milling about like a restless storm. But in the middle of it all, I stood calm, every eye watching, waiting to see what would happen next.

The weight of expectations pressed down, but I wasn’t about to let it crush me.

A voice cut through the noise, warm but edged with challenge. “I’ve got to ask, how did you get so fast? Your moves aren’t just good; they’re sharper than some of the best I’ve seen back home.”

Her words caught me off guard. I glanced at her, trying to figure out if she was being genuine or just flattering.

“Honestly? It’s just practice,” I said, keeping it simple. The truth, my wolf’s early awakening wasn’t something I was ready to share yet.

Most people don’t experience that kind of bond until halfway through high school. The top wolves—my brother and his pack—got theirs early in freshman year.

But me?

I was different. My connection sparked at the tail end of eighth grade, and that shook me more than I expected. Despite my beta blood, I wasn’t a ranked fighter, not like them, and probably never would be.

After I confided in Delta Nolan, he introduced me to Luna Sage, who’s been guiding me since then.

Suddenly, Delta Nolan jogged over, holding a small container. “Your shirt rode up back there,” he said quietly.

“Looks like you might’ve reopened one of your recent injuries.” His eyes searched mine, waiting for a reply.

I gave him a sharp look, this wasn’t a conversation I wanted to have with anyone but the adults I trusted. Selene didn’t know me well, and I didn’t want to scare her off.

I took the container. “Thanks. Anything else?” His arms folded over his broad chest, trying to look imposing — though I was immune to the effect.

“Not now. I’ll explain later,” I sent through the mindlink, hoping that would be enough to keep him from pressing.

He growled low, the power of his Delta status radiating outward. The crowd hushed and watched. Anyone without rank bowed their heads, showing submission.

My wolf felt the authority he commanded, he was stronger than me, an adult with full rank. But my Heta blood gave me the strength to resist, and I held his gaze steady. My pride wouldn’t let me bow.

Even Selene seemed to be fighting that submission, her chin high but eyes lowered in respect. I wondered where she ranked in her own pack.

“What are high schoolers doing with silver powder?” Delta Nolan demanded, his voice sharp. “That stuff is torture-level serious. You have to tell me who’s behind this, Ari. This isn’t a game anymore.”

“No,” I replied firmly. “I handled it. If you step in, it just makes me look weak and I’m already a target. Whenever someone tries to help, things just get worse.”

Without waiting for a response, I turned and headed for the locker room to shower and get ready. Selene followed quietly, not mentioning the silent showdown I’d just had with our head trainer.

I grabbed my shower stuff from my locker and headed to the farthest stall I could find. Closing the curtain behind me, I set my clothes and towel on the little bench just outside the shower.

I turned the water on, cranking it up as hot as I could stand, then stepped inside and shut the curtain tight.

I liked having that double layer of privacy—I never changed out in the open.

No way was I letting anyone see the bruises and cuts all over me, especially the lash marks on my back that were still raw and healing slowly because Raven had rubbed silver powder into them after whipping me.

Nolan was right though—the hot water stung the open wounds like fire, and I watched the water swirl red with my blood.

When I was done, I carefully reached out from behind the curtain to grab my towel, wrapping it tight so nothing showed.

Feeling fully covered, I pulled back the curtain—and jumped. “Whoa! Don’t sneak up on me like that!”

Selene just laughed, leaning casually against the wall like invading someone’s privacy was no big deal.

“You left this,” she whispered, holding up a small jar. “And you’re gonna need help putting it on. Some of those cuts are in really awkward spots.” She twirled a finger at me, signaling for me to turn around like it was a done deal. I just stared.

“I’m helping you whether you want it or not,” she said firmly. “So you might as well save us both some time and let me.” Her eyes didn’t budge. “I’m not going to ask questions… yet.”

Fine, help it is. I loosened the towel enough to expose the marks, fifteen lashes in total.

The oldest five were from that one history class fifteen minutes of my questioning caused, which led to extra notes and a surprise quiz, even though the teacher said there would be one the day before.

No way to argue with an angry Raven. The other ten were from the end of last year, right after the guys got their wolves and somehow became untouchable. Apparently, standing too close to them was a punishable crime. Who knew?

If Selene was grossed out or surprised, she didn’t show it. She was super gentle, carefully rubbing cream into every cut. “Some of these are old, but this stuff might help reduce scarring. My parents probably have something stronger, if you want—”

“No,” I cut her off. “I’m handling it. Thanks, but no need to bother your parents.”

I wasn’t trying to be rude. She was just trying to help, but I didn’t want Raven thinking I was too weak to take her punishments.

Plus, if word got out especially to the Alpha or Luna, it’d just make things worse. The fewer who know, the better.

“If you say so… Anyway, you want to show me around? I need to get my bearings,” Selene said, switching the subject so fast I nearly got whiplash.

“Sure, let me get dressed first, then we can go get your schedule.” She didn’t get the hint to leave, so I had to awkwardly change under my towel. Pretty sure she was doing that on purpose.

We headed over to school, just a block from the training grounds. I took Selene to the main office and introduced her to the secretary, who hooked her up with a schedule, locker, and combination.

Since we still had about 45 minutes before class and most students went home after training, we decided to tour the school.

I stuck close to Delta Nolan or stayed in the locker room whenever I could, it was the safest way to avoid Raven’s wrath for a little longer.

I found out Selene and I shared a few classes. She was a year ahead, like the guys, but I was taking some advanced classes which here just meant I was basically in the next grade up.

“So, at least our first two classes are together,” she said, her voice cheerful. “That’ll make things way more fun. You’ll have to clue me in on who’s cool and who to avoid.”

“Uh, I’m probably not the best for that,” I mumbled as we entered the classroom and I slipped into my usual spot at the back.

“I mostly keep to myself and try to blend in. I’m definitely not popular and avoid the drama like the plague.”

She just snorted but didn’t say anything else and followed me quietly.