Sarah's POVFinally, after what felt like forever, the door clicked open, and Claire strode in, her heels tapping rhythmically against the tiled floor. She tossed a file onto the table between us, her face unreadable as always. My heart raced, anticipation and dread mingling as I straightened in my chair. “Finally,” I muttered under my breath, crossing my arms. "Apologies for the delay,” she said, sliding into the chair opposite me. "Further investigation has been conducted, and..." Her voice dipped, almost mockingly, “...your scent was not found at the scene. "We also found out that those whose scents were found on the scene are guilty." She took a deep breath, locking eyes with me. "You and your partner did an excellent job erasing any trace."She chuckled lightly, the sound tinged with a mix of admiration and disbelief. "That’s impressive, really."In the city's police force, the five supernatural factions—werewolves, witches, panther shifters, hunters, and humans aware of t
Sarah's POVThe door to Joshua's room creaked open, and there she was, the woman I had seen with Joshua last night, draped in my robe I usually wear every time I spent the night here with Joshua.Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of recognition and triumph. Her lips curled into a smirk. “What do you want?” From her tone and demeanour, it was clear she knew who I was, which made me wonder how long Joshua had been having an affair with her.I raised an eyebrow, refusing to let her see the sting in her words. With a steady gaze and a step forward, I brushed past her, the heels of my shoes clicking against the polished floor. "Where is Joshua?” I asked coldly, not sparing her a second glance. She spun around, her face contorting with anger. "You can’t just walk into our house like this!” She snapped, her voice rising. I stopped in my tracks and turned to face her, tilting my head slightly as if amused by her outburst. "Our house?” I scoffed, letting the disdain drip from my words.
Sarah's POV"How did the interrogation go, Sarah?" The principal, Principal Gaines, asked me in his office.He had called for me earlier.I then explained everything to him.He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "You need to be careful, Sarah. People in this city have bad opinions about you, which you know. They are just looking for a reason to drag you down, so watch where you go and what you do."I nodded. "Thank you for always believing in me, sir. I don’t know where I’d be without your support."Every other workplace in the city had turned me down because of my past. But thanks to him, I got this job despite the board’s objections.He chuckled. "You don’t need to thank me. I don’t care about your past or the reasons behind it as long as it doesn’t affect your work, harm the school, or mess with the environment here."I nodded, feigning a smile."I think it's better for you to take a week off," he added. My brows furrowed in confusion. "For what, sir?"He shr
Sarah's POVI fought to keep my face neutral, refusing to let the panic show.Before I could respond, he leaned closer, his breath brushing my face as his voice dropped to a menacing whisper. “So tell me, Sarah... did you go back to the alley after pretending to leave? Because I was told their bodies were found there.” His accusation hit me like a punch to the gut, but I could not let him see how shaken I was. Not now. Not with everything I had riding on this conversation. “How dare you accuse me of that?!” I shot back, slamming my hands on the desk so hard the sound echoed in the room. He did not even flinch; his expression stayed maddeningly calm, his smirk still firmly in place. “Come on, Sarah,” he said, chuckling darkly. "I’m not the only one who thinks so. The whole school, and from what I heard, the entire city, believes it. So don’t act so shocked that I’m calling you out on it.” I glared at him, my mind racing for a way to regain control of the situation. His arrogance
Anderson's POV "I'm not sure the principal is my dad's friend." I said as Lucas and I walked out of Principal Gaines' office. Principal Gaines had called us and Daniel with his lackeys to his office before first period. He had apparently heard about the incident yesterday and gave us all a warning, especially Lucas and me. After Daniel and his lackeys left, Principal Gaines made it clear that he would suspend Lucas and me if something like that happened again. He even threatened to inform my dad if it did, despite my effort to explain that we were not at fault. Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Why don't you think he is?" "Because he’s supposed to stay neutral and even side with us!” I snapped. "We explained it wasn’t our fault, but it’s like he had already decided we were guilty.” Frustration edged into my voice. Lucas let out a scoff. “Why should he believe us when I was the one who threw the first punch?" “Is that why you were so quick to apologise and make that ridiculous promise
Anderson's POVTheir presence demanded attention, especially Axel's, whose broad shoulders cut through the space like a knife. He locked eyes with Lucas, his expression a perfect blend of arrogance and malice. Lucas, unbothered, leaned back in his chair, his smirk sharp enough to cut glass. “I don’t know what you mean, boy. Maybe you’ve got the wrong guy.” Axel’s eyes flared with shock and anger in an instant. I could not believe it either, especially after Lucas’ warning earlier. “Who the hell is this guy?!” Axel’s guy barked, stepping forward like he was ready to swing."Back off," Axel ordered.His sharp glare locked onto Lucas. "I’ll deal with this myself."“Don’t play dumb with me. You know exactly what I mean.” Axel let out a frustrated scoff, running a hand through his hair, clearly irritated by Lucas’ silence. "Who the fuck does this dude think he is?"Lucas shrugged. "Let's say the guy who doesn’t flinch when wannabes try to act tough. Does that answer your question?”A
SARAH'S POVThe faint sound of footsteps trailed behind me, just out of sync with my own, tapping against the pavement as I walked home with grocery bags in my hands. My skin prickled as though invisible eyes were burrowing into my back, watching and following me again.It started days ago, right after I left Joshua’s house for the last time. I had told myself it was just paranoia, but tonight was different.“Who the hell is this creep?” I muttered, my voice barely louder than the rustle of the wind.Then, I stopped abruptly and glanced over my shoulder.Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a flicker of movement under the streetlamp before it retreated into the darkness. That and the footsteps were enough to erode my doubt.I smirked, tilting my head. Whoever it was, I will find out tonight."Alright, let’s see who you are,” I muttered under my breath. I resumed walking with feigned nonchalance.Every few steps, I threw a glance over my shoulder, trying to catch the figure slipping
SARAH'S POVMy hands were shaking as I fumbled with the lock, my heart pounding wildly in my chest. I did not even know if I was breathing right. Once I slammed the door shut behind me, I bolted it fast, as if that would keep whatever nightmare I had just escaped from. My breath was ragged, almost choking me as I stumbled toward the small window, throwing it closed and tugging the curtains shut. I gasped for air as I collapsed onto my bed, burying my face in the sheets."What the hell just happened?" I muttered. I sat up, my hands running through my tangled hair, trying to get a grip. My mind was a mess. The thought of being connected to another murder—hell, if they thought I was involved again—made me sick.However, I could not quite figure out if I was just a witness to the murder or if I was the actual target. The way the lycan locked eyes with me before attacking the panther shifter had me second-guessing everything. My body tensed as I recalled that instant. "Was it really a
Anderson's POVAt that moment, I did not care about staying out of trouble with Alpha Derek’s family when Axel dared lie about Sarah and me.Not that I had not already planned to make their lives hell, but lying? That was a whole new level of pathetic. He and his brother were the biggest frauds I had ever seen, and I was not about to let them get away with it. Watching Axel squirm as I tore his little dominance act to shreds in front of everyone? Absolutely satisfying. His every stutter, every flicker of uncertainty and confusion—I relished all of it.If Principal Gaines had not shown up, I honestly had no idea what would have happened next. A full-blown fight? Probably. My instincts had taken over, and I was ready to wreck Axel.But then Sofia—the weakest link in their little dynasty—had gone running to the principal.Hearing both sides of the story, Principal Gaines made his decision: Axel got slapped with a two-week suspension for lying, and me? I walked out scot-free.Axel stormed
Sarah's POVA teacher, Ms Turner, whispered to Mr Hale, "No wonder she was defending him earlier. Pathetic."My heart clenched. This—this was exactly why I had been hesitant about Anderson’s demands. His reckless words and lies were about to destroy me.The moment my eyes met Lucas’s, my heart skipped a beat. His sharp glare and raised brows made it clear, knowing the reason behind it.But he can't blame me. I mean, it's his brother's fault for lying against me. But even if I told the truth that there was nothing romantic or sexual between us, who would believe me?Anderson stood slowly, his gaze unwavering as he met Axel’s fury head-on.Lucas rose too, frowning. "Axel, what the hell are you talking about?"Axel smirked darkly. "Oh, come on, Lucas. You really think you can cover for him?""I know the truth, and I think everyone else should too," he smirked.The whispers grew louder."So, he's not lying?""What the actual fuck?!"I stood there, frozen. Shame, humiliation, and devastati
Sarah's POVThe long rectangular table at the centre was cluttered with paperwork and a few pens rolling aimlessly.Principal Gaines had just finished having a brief meeting with us—the teachers.After he left, a few teachers leaned back in their chairs, arms crossed, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and irritation.At the head of the table, Mr Callahan, a history teacher with greying hair and tired eyes, recounted with frustration how Anderson had disrespected him earlier when he confronted Anderson for arriving late and walking in confidently."I just can’t believe this." He exhaled sharply, shaking his head."On a normal day, what Anderson did would warrant at least a three-week suspension. But no, he decides to just let him off the hook? Unbelievable."A few teachers nodded in agreement.Mr Douglas, the strict mathematics teacher, scoffed. "Gaines is getting soft. A kid shows blatant disrespect, and instead of consequences, he gets a slap on the wrist?"Ms Harper, the fiery E
Anderson's POVI turned, my expression frozen in disbelief. It was as if I did not hear her right. It was too ridiculous. So ridiculous that I scoffed before I even processed my own reaction."What did you just say?" I asked."I love you, Anderson. I've always do." She repeated.“You’re joking, right?” I said, my voice laced with mockery.But Sofia, standing there like a wounded animal, did not waver. Her eyes held that desperate glint that irritated me more than anything else.“No,” she murmured.A bitter laugh escaped my lips before I could stop it."You?” I gestured at her, disbelief evident in my tone."You love me?" I let out another chuckle, shaking my head."Wow. That’s a new level of delusion, even for you.”"And that's why I’ve been acting this way. I know it’s stupid. You can call me anything you want—I’ll accept it. I deserve it. I just…”“Well, thank God you know how stupid this is,” I muttered under my breath.She exhaled shakily. “I just can’t help it, Anderson. Seeing y
Anderson's POVThe classroom was heavy with silence as I scoffed at Sofia’s request."Discuss something privately?" I leaned back in my seat, tilting my head mockingly."What for?” I asked, my tone laced with mockery."Or wait—” I let out a humourless chuckle, leaning back slightly."Are you here to finish what your father failed to? You know, actually kill me this time?”Gasps echoed across the room.Someone muttered, “What’s going on?”Another voice followed, confused, “Wait—what does he mean?”—not directed at me, just thrown into the air like the weight of my words had stunned them all.Sofia exhaled sharply, visibly pissed but trying to keep her composure."Please, just follow me,” she said."It won’t take much of your time. I promise. I just want to talk.”I narrowed my eyes."If you can’t say whatever you need to right here, in front of everyone, then forget it,” I said, my voice cutting through the air like ice."I’m not moving an inch.”She flinched slightly at my tone but did
Anderson's POVMr Callahan wasted no time launching into his complaints the moment we stepped into Principal Gaines’ office.“He was rude, arrogant, and completely disrespectful in front of the entire class. He refuses to acknowledge authority, and his behaviour is completely unacceptable.” His voice was tight with anger.Principal Gaines turned to me, studying me carefully."Anderson,” he said slowly, “is what Mr Callahan said true?”I tilted my head. "Well, he’s not lying."Principal Gaines blinked. He clearly hadn't expected me to be so blunt.Mr Callahan gave Principal Gaines a look that practically screamed I told you so.Clearing his throat, Principal Gaines said, "First off, Mr Callahan, I'm sorry about what happened, but I'll take it from here.""You can go back to your class," he added.With a curt nod, Mr Callahan turned to leave, but not before shooting me a murderous glare. I just smirked in response.Folding my arms, I stood there, waiting for whatever came next.To my su
Anderson's POVSomething about this city was cursed for me. I had known triumph, dominance, and control for as long as I could remember, but since moving here, I had tasted defeat twice. Twice. And it was humiliating.The powerlessness I felt last night at the Blackwood Pack still lingered. It weighed on me, making it impossible to sleep after I got back from the loan shark’s office, as I spent the entire night rolling restlessly in bed, like a man drowning in his own thoughts, gasping for a breath that never came.I could not bring myself to go to school today because my mind was still in shambles.Lucas, clueless as ever, had knocked on my door before leaving, telling me to hurry up or we’d be late.When I lazily told him I was skipping school, barely lifting my head from the pillow, he asked me why."Nothing," I replied."Just go without me." I struggled to sound convincing.However, when he kept asking why there must be an exact reason, I ended up lying that I just did not feel li
Sarah's POVThere was no explosion, no earth-shattering moment, but my life still felt like a ticking time bomb. The ultimatum Anderson had given me—God, even thinking about it sent an itch crawling under my skin. Did it really bother me, though? I was not sure.The deadline had passed, and yet, I remained restless, my mind tangled in the question of whether he had truly let go or if this was just another one of his sick games. A display of power.The most unsettling part? He had stayed away. Or rather, I had avoided him. But he was not the type to be deterred by avoidance. If he still wanted to sleep with me, he would have already done it. So maybe he’s actually over me.I should have felt relieved. Instead, an uneasy feeling gnawed at my insides.That same unease followed me into my office after I finished taking his class because he was not in attendance. And the Anderson I knew would never skip class.He thrived on the attention, soaked in the way his people—the students in this c
Anderson's POVBlood was everywhere—splattered across the walls, pooling on the marble floor, even dripping from the ceiling like some gruesome rain. The whole office reeked of death, turning the space into something out of a nightmare.I stood in the middle of it all, my breaths ragged, chest rising and falling as I shifted back into my human form—naked and covered in blood.The last time I had lost control like this was during my first shift. Back then, the massacre had been a mistake—innocent people torn apart in a blood frenzy I could not control. But this time… this time, I had been fully aware. The carnage was not an accident. It was a sentence carried out. And every single one of these bastards deserved it. They were all guilty.Every last one of them worked for the loan shark company Sarah owed—a company that thrived on preying on the desperate, feeding off their misery, and stripping them of everything until they were left with nothing but despair.While secretly following he