MaliaI spent the rest of the morning in a daze.I barely heard the lectures. The words written on that note burned into my mind like a brand.Malia, it’s me, Asher. Please, I need to see you.I had hidden the note in the deepest corner of my bag, but that didn’t stop my heart from pounding every time I thought about it.How? How did he send it? Was he even in the right state of mind?A sharp nudge to my elbow jolted me out of my thoughts. I blinked, realizing the girl sitting next to me—some brunette I didn’t even know—was staring expectantly.“So?” she pressed, her eyes bright with curiosity. “You haven’t answered.”I frowned. “Sorry—what?”She huffed. “I said, are you close to Ronin?”I stiffened.“Because, I mean, he’s clearly interested in you,” she continued, twirling a strand of her hair around her finger. “And, well, everyone wants to know if there’s a chance with him, or if you’re, you know, already that person.”Her words sent an uncomfortable chill through me.She wasn’t th
Malia I kept my face blank as I walked beside Ronin, my pulse thrumming like a war drum in my ears. I wasn’t sure what bothered me more—the sharp glares digging into my back from envious students, or the way Ronin carried himself so effortlessly, as if he was meant to be here. He had already taken Asher’s title, his pack, his home. And now, he wanted to claim me too. I wouldn’t let him. The grand double doors to the ceremony hall loomed ahead, polished and gleaming like a barrier between me and yet another nightmare. Ronin reached for the door first, pushing it open like a gentleman. “After you.” I stepped inside, forcing myself to ignore the smug amusement in his tone. The hall was packed. High-ranking werewolves and elders lined the front rows, while students and teachers filled the back. The air hummed with the murmur of hushed voices, but the moment we entered, the room fell into a heavy silence. I could feel their stares shift onto me. They don’t recognize you, I remin
MaliaBy the time I left Werewolf Academia, my head was pounding.Ronin had been called away for extra work, whatever that meant, so he couldn’t drop me off himself. Not that I cared—I would’ve preferred to walk home barefoot across burning coals rather than endure another car ride with him.Instead, I ended up in Jude’s car, sitting in the passenger seat as he drove me back to our new home. Derrick’s home.I hated it.Everything about today had left me exhausted. The stares, the questions, the note from Asher, and now this ridiculous Luna Selection nonsense.Ronin was a student like me, or so he claimed. He told me that since he wasn’t originally from Lycone, he’d been having private lessons to learn the pack’s history.I wanted to ask why he even wanted the title if his family had given it to him as a punishment, but I kept my mouth shut. It wasn’t my place to question him—not yet, anyway.The car ride was quiet at first, which was unusual for Jude. He always had something to say, a
MaliaI walked into school the next morning with my head down, trying to go unnoticed. After everything that happened yesterday I had no energy left for another spectacle. I just needed to survive the day.But, of course, fate had other plans.As I settled into the class, I overheard a conversation behind me. A few students, whispering in hushed tones, their voices laced with intrigue.“I heard Ronin wasn’t even supposed to be Alpha.”“Yeah, his family threw him into this mess. He's the fifth son of his father in their pack.”“No way. No wonder he grabbed the opportunity to be Asher's replacement. Personally, he doesn't look like Alpha material.”“He does when he’s angry, but the only time he's not scary looking is when he's dotting over Lia.”I tried not to react, but my grip on my pen tightened. I hated being associated with him. The hours dragged on, each class blending into the next. But I couldn’t focus.Not on the lessons.Not on the students staring at me.Not even on Jude’s w
MaliaMy breathing was uneven. Shallow. I hadn't even realized Ronin had pulled me away until my back hit the heavy oak door of Asher’s former office.Except—it wasn’t Asher’s office anymore.My stomach twisted as I looked around. The dark walls had been repainted a dull slate gray. The heavy bookshelves that once held Asher’s old texts were replaced with sleek, polished furniture. The scent of pine and musk, his scent, was long gone—replaced by Ronin’s.Everything was different. Everything was his.The panic that had been building inside me from the moment Asher lunged at me reached its peak.Ronin had dragged me in here, away from the prying eyes of the school.What if he knew?What if he had seen the recognition in Asher’s eyes?My pulse pounded in my ears as I forced myself to step back, searching for an exit. The window? No, too high. The door? Ronin blocked it effortlessly.I felt trapped.I stiffened when he took a step closer, my breath catching when he reached for me.This is
MaliaThe tension in the room was suffocating.Ronin cleared his throat, running a hand through his disheveled hair as he turned to face Jude, his jaw tight. “Derrick, it’s not what you think,” he said hastily, still breathless from what had just transpired between us.Jude’s smirk didn’t falter. If anything, it deepened, his sharp eyes glinting with amusement as he leisurely stepped further into the office, shutting the door behind him. “Oh, I know exactly what I saw,” he said, his tone dripping with something unreadable. He studied Ronin for a moment, then let out a small chuckle. “And I must say, I’m not opposed to your interest in my daughter.”I stiffened, my stomach twisting uncomfortably.Ronin let out a relieved breath—only for it to catch in his throat when Jude continued, his voice laced with an almost mocking concern.“I’m only troubled by one thing,” Jude said smoothly. “Lia is still a child. She’s seventeen.”The words hit the air like a gunshot.Ronin froze, his entire b
Malia“I don’t understand,” I finally managed, my voice barely above a whisper. “Why do I have to fix a problem that you created?”Jude arched a brow, unimpressed.“I did everything you asked,” I pressed on, desperation creeping into my tone. “I—I even…” I hesitated, my face burning as I forced the words out. “I even pleased Ronin.”Jude scoffed, shaking his head as if I were some foolish child. “Oh, Malia,” he mused, crossing his arms. “You weren’t just pleasing Ronin. You were pleasing yourself too.”The air in my lungs vanished.Heat rushed to my face as I dropped my gaze to the floor, my stomach twisting painfully.He knew.Of course, he knew.I could still feel Ronin’s hands on me, the way my body had melted under his touch, the way I had wanted it. Jude’s words cut deep, slicing straight to the ugly truth that I didn’t want to acknowledge.I had wanted Ronin’s touch.I had craved it.And that made me feel sick.Jude watched me for a moment, a smirk tugging at the corner of his l
MaliaI stormed through the hallways, my vision blurry with rage. My steps were heavy with anger, my body moving on instinct alone. I could barely see past the red haze clouding my mind. My fists clenched so tightly my nails bit into my palms. I hated Jude. I hated the way he controlled my life, the way he toyed with me like I was nothing but a pawn in his game.I hated myself more for letting him.I barely registered the blur of students around me as I stormed down the hallway, too lost in my own fury to care if anyone noticed the storm brewing beneath my skin. I didn't see the figure lurking nearby, didn’t hear the hurried footsteps approaching—until a hand suddenly grabbed my wrist and yanked me into an empty classroom.Panic surged through me. My back hit the wall, my breath catching in my throat. Before I could react, the door slammed shut, and I found myself face-to-face with Nina.I blinked, momentarily disoriented. “What the hell—?”“Shh,” Nina hissed, pressing a finger to her
Malia “I need you to start researching. I don’t know much about witches, but maybe there’s a way to find out what’s really happening. And if it's possible that she's not using Malia's body so we can kill her.” Amara let out a sharp, humorless laugh. “You want me to figure that out?” “Yes,” Jamie said firmly. “I have to head back to Storm Pack. I have to keep an eye on that thing pretending to be Malia. But you… you need to stay here and stay alive.” Amara exhaled sharply. “I can do that. She doesn't have to stay here, Jamie. I can take care of myself.” There was a beat of silence before Amara spoke again, her voice sharper this time. “Also, before you go, what about Corey? What’s he doing here? Why is he in Lycone instead of you?” Jamie was quiet for a moment before answering. “It's because that witch has another task—to tear me and Corey apart.” “So I’ve been acting recklessly,” Jamie continued. “Pushing Corey away. Defying orders. Giving the council no choice but to send Co
MaliaI stayed hidden, my back pressed tightly against the side of Amara’s house as I listened. My heart pounded so violently I could hear the rush of blood in my ears.Jamie was still talking, his voice firm and serious.“You don’t understand the full extent of what happened in Storm Pack,” he told Amara. “There’s a lot you don’t know.”Amara scoffed, her voice laced with frustration. “Then explain it to me, Jamie! Because so far, all I’m getting is that Jude is hunting me down, and you expect me to trust a bodyguard I’ve never met! None of this makes sense!”Jamie exhaled sharply, as if trying to gather his thoughts. “It will make sense,” he muttered. “Just listen.”There was a brief pause before he continued, his voice dropping lower, darker.“After we captured Malia, I was going to kill her,” he admitted bluntly. “I was ready to burn her when Corey stopped me.”Amara scoffed. “I know Jamie, I was there.”Jamie let out a dry, humorless chuckle. “Yeah, you're right. But what I'm say
MaliaAmara stood frozen for a moment, disbelief clear on her face. Then, she let out a dry, humorless laugh. “You can’t be serious.”Jamie rubbed his face, exhaling sharply. “I wish I weren’t.”Amara narrowed her eyes at him. “So… what? You went through with it? You’re engaged?”Jamie’s shoulders tensed. “No. I haven’t decided yet.”“Oh, you haven’t decided?” Amara scoffed, shaking her head in disgust. “So it’s still on the table?”Jamie’s jaw clenched. “It’s complicated, Amara. You don’t understand—”“Then explain it to me.”He took a slow breath, trying to gather his words. “This isn’t about me. It’s about the pack. This—” He gestured vaguely toward the woman beside him. “This arrangement is what will keep our people safe from what’s coming.”Amara’s expression hardened. “What’s coming?”Jamie hesitated. “A war.”A chill ran down my spine. War.I could see the gears turning in Amara’s head, but she wasn’t buying it. “So you’re going to marry someone for the sake of a political alli
MaliaNina narrowed her eyes as she watched Corey walk away. “Why are you even here?” she called after him.Corey didn’t stop, but he did glance over his shoulder. “Business with Ronin.”Nina scoffed. “Shouldn’t Jamie be handling that?”Corey rolled his eyes and kept walking. “Read the room, Nina.”With that, he disappeared down the hall, leaving us standing there in silence.I turned to Nina, frowning. “Maybe he and Jamie had a fight?”Nina, still watching Corey’s retreating figure, shook her head. “Even if they did, the elders and council members decide who represents them in important matters. And let’s be real—between Corey and Jamie, they’d pick Jamie. He’s the more rational one.”She had a point. Jamie had always been the level-headed one, while Corey was more… unpredictable. If Corey was here instead of Jamie, it meant something was going on.But whatever it was, it wasn’t my problem.As the day dragged on, I tried to shake off my lingering thoughts about Asher’s note, Ronin, a
MaliaI stormed through the hallways, my vision blurry with rage. My steps were heavy with anger, my body moving on instinct alone. I could barely see past the red haze clouding my mind. My fists clenched so tightly my nails bit into my palms. I hated Jude. I hated the way he controlled my life, the way he toyed with me like I was nothing but a pawn in his game.I hated myself more for letting him.I barely registered the blur of students around me as I stormed down the hallway, too lost in my own fury to care if anyone noticed the storm brewing beneath my skin. I didn't see the figure lurking nearby, didn’t hear the hurried footsteps approaching—until a hand suddenly grabbed my wrist and yanked me into an empty classroom.Panic surged through me. My back hit the wall, my breath catching in my throat. Before I could react, the door slammed shut, and I found myself face-to-face with Nina.I blinked, momentarily disoriented. “What the hell—?”“Shh,” Nina hissed, pressing a finger to her
Malia“I don’t understand,” I finally managed, my voice barely above a whisper. “Why do I have to fix a problem that you created?”Jude arched a brow, unimpressed.“I did everything you asked,” I pressed on, desperation creeping into my tone. “I—I even…” I hesitated, my face burning as I forced the words out. “I even pleased Ronin.”Jude scoffed, shaking his head as if I were some foolish child. “Oh, Malia,” he mused, crossing his arms. “You weren’t just pleasing Ronin. You were pleasing yourself too.”The air in my lungs vanished.Heat rushed to my face as I dropped my gaze to the floor, my stomach twisting painfully.He knew.Of course, he knew.I could still feel Ronin’s hands on me, the way my body had melted under his touch, the way I had wanted it. Jude’s words cut deep, slicing straight to the ugly truth that I didn’t want to acknowledge.I had wanted Ronin’s touch.I had craved it.And that made me feel sick.Jude watched me for a moment, a smirk tugging at the corner of his l
MaliaThe tension in the room was suffocating.Ronin cleared his throat, running a hand through his disheveled hair as he turned to face Jude, his jaw tight. “Derrick, it’s not what you think,” he said hastily, still breathless from what had just transpired between us.Jude’s smirk didn’t falter. If anything, it deepened, his sharp eyes glinting with amusement as he leisurely stepped further into the office, shutting the door behind him. “Oh, I know exactly what I saw,” he said, his tone dripping with something unreadable. He studied Ronin for a moment, then let out a small chuckle. “And I must say, I’m not opposed to your interest in my daughter.”I stiffened, my stomach twisting uncomfortably.Ronin let out a relieved breath—only for it to catch in his throat when Jude continued, his voice laced with an almost mocking concern.“I’m only troubled by one thing,” Jude said smoothly. “Lia is still a child. She’s seventeen.”The words hit the air like a gunshot.Ronin froze, his entire b
MaliaMy breathing was uneven. Shallow. I hadn't even realized Ronin had pulled me away until my back hit the heavy oak door of Asher’s former office.Except—it wasn’t Asher’s office anymore.My stomach twisted as I looked around. The dark walls had been repainted a dull slate gray. The heavy bookshelves that once held Asher’s old texts were replaced with sleek, polished furniture. The scent of pine and musk, his scent, was long gone—replaced by Ronin’s.Everything was different. Everything was his.The panic that had been building inside me from the moment Asher lunged at me reached its peak.Ronin had dragged me in here, away from the prying eyes of the school.What if he knew?What if he had seen the recognition in Asher’s eyes?My pulse pounded in my ears as I forced myself to step back, searching for an exit. The window? No, too high. The door? Ronin blocked it effortlessly.I felt trapped.I stiffened when he took a step closer, my breath catching when he reached for me.This is
MaliaI walked into school the next morning with my head down, trying to go unnoticed. After everything that happened yesterday I had no energy left for another spectacle. I just needed to survive the day.But, of course, fate had other plans.As I settled into the class, I overheard a conversation behind me. A few students, whispering in hushed tones, their voices laced with intrigue.“I heard Ronin wasn’t even supposed to be Alpha.”“Yeah, his family threw him into this mess. He's the fifth son of his father in their pack.”“No way. No wonder he grabbed the opportunity to be Asher's replacement. Personally, he doesn't look like Alpha material.”“He does when he’s angry, but the only time he's not scary looking is when he's dotting over Lia.”I tried not to react, but my grip on my pen tightened. I hated being associated with him. The hours dragged on, each class blending into the next. But I couldn’t focus.Not on the lessons.Not on the students staring at me.Not even on Jude’s w