Chapter 0028

Thursday begins like any other. I watch Evelyn train, grab a quick breakfast, and head to school.

Today feels different. My daily gifts have grown bolder, and each time, she and Selene accept them without hesitation.

The whole school is buzzing about the mysterious admirer. Bets are being placed on when he—me—will reveal himself. I'm tempted to join in, but I hold back. Throwing the odds off by betting on Donovan is enough mischief for now.

I arrive early at lunch again. My courier waits by the door, a stranger I don’t acknowledge. He keeps his gaze down, playing his part perfectly.

The moment Evelyn walks in, he approaches. "Evelyn Sinclair?" She nods, takes the card, and heads to her table.

The cafeteria erupts. Everyone crowds around her—even the staff. Adrian and I move to intervene, but Nathaniel beats us to it, commanding space for her.

I watch as she reads my words. Selene pushes forward, eager as always, though today’s message is meant solely for Evelyn. I’m no poet, but my words are raw, honest—and they’re working.

She unpacks the gift basket, inhaling the scents, smiling before passing items to Genevieve to share. Adrian relaxes beside me. Our plan is succeeding. She’s accepting us.

As the crowd disperses, I start eating. A smirk forms as I glance at Donovan—until the metallic tang of blood hits my nostrils.

Theron surges forward in my mind at the same moment Orion does for Donovan. My body tenses.

We stand in unison.

Sebastian strides through the doors, a massive bear carcass slung over his shoulders. The challenge is unmistakable. He knows I’ve been claiming Evelyn—now he’s staking his own claim publicly.

He stops before her. The entire cafeteria freezes.

Dorian’s voice is rough, battle-worn. "An offering for Selene." He drops the bear at her feet.

Selene fully surfaces, Evelyn’s eyes blazing gold. Even furious, I can’t deny their beauty.

Then she purrs his name.

Theron loses control. I’ll kill him. She’s ours.

He’s never been this volatile. We’ve always been in sync. But now? All he sees is red, the need to prove our dominance.

I’m barely holding him back when Selene accepts the gift. Her hand touches Dorian’s chest—

Theron shatters my restraint.

A vicious snarl tears from my throat.

The room falls silent. Donovan jumps between us, joined by two warriors, but Theron won’t be calmed. My canines lengthen; claws slice through my fingertips.

If he forces the shift, Dorian will too.

And that means a fight to the death.