Chapter 0004

The final bell rings, signaling the end of another exhausting school day. I make my way to my locker, mentally preparing for the homework waiting for me. Nathaniel is my ride this week—we alternate driving duties, and it’s his turn.

As I shuffle through my books, deciding which ones to take home, a sudden shadow looms over me. I glance up and freeze.

Adrian Grey.

The future Alpha of Blackthorn Pack stands there, his icy blue eyes locked onto me. Perfect. Just what I needed.

I bite back my irritation. No point in pissing off the guy I’ll likely be stuck with for the rest of my life.

Taking a deep breath, I force a polite smile. "Alpha, what can I do for you?" I think I nail the tone—just disinterested enough to be convincing but not outright rude.

His lips curl into a smirk. "Hey there, gorgeous. I don’t think we’ve met before."

Seriously? That’s his opener? Like we haven’t been in the same schools since forever?

I plaster on my best fake smile. "Guess not. Hard to see past all your admirers, huh?" I shut my locker and lean against it, crossing my arms. Just for fun, I bat my lashes. "Wait… you are an Alpha, right?" I widen my eyes, playing the starstruck fan.

His grin widens. "That’s right, sweetheart. But don’t let my aura scare you. I hear it can be… intense."

Selene snorts in my head. This guy’s full of himself.

No kidding.

The joke’s on him, though. Guardians are immune to Alpha commands. My dad says it’s because, centuries ago, Alphas started ordering their Guardians to stand down in battles, putting themselves at risk. So, evolution fixed that.

Not that Adrian would know. He clearly has no clue who I am—or what my family has sacrificed for his.

His aura rolls over me like a wave, but it doesn’t affect me. Not that I’d ever let him know that.

"Oh wow," I press a hand to my chest like I’m overwhelmed. "It’s so nice to meet you."

Selene cackles. You’re laying it on thick.

Maybe. But an Alpha should know his own pack. The fact that he doesn’t recognize me? Insulting.

He extends his hand. "Adrian Grey. Future Alpha of Blackthorn Pack. Maybe you’ve heard of me?"

I fake a gasp. "Oh! Wow! Nice to meet you!" I shake his hand—

And jolt.

A spark shoots through my fingers, raising the hairs on my arms. Not painful. Just… unexpected.

His eyes flicker with surprise. Did he feel it too?

Weird. Probably static from the locker.

He’s still holding my hand, waiting. For what?

Then he smirks. "Usually, when someone introduces themselves, you do the same."

Right. Because females must be too dazzled to speak around him.

I’m about to answer when Nathaniel saves me.

"Hey Ev—"

I cut him off. "Hey Nathaniel! Do you know Alpha Adrian?" I shoot him a play along glare.

Nathaniel blinks but catches on fast. "Of course. Alpha Adrian is from my pack." He dips his head in respect.

Adrian nods. "Nathaniel." Then turns back to me. "So, sweetheart, what’s your name? And which pack are you from?"

My jaw tightens. He really doesn’t know.

Nathaniel winces.

Time to mess with him. "What makes you think I’m not from your pack?" I arch a brow, dropping the innocent act.

He mirrors my expression, oozing Alpha arrogance. "Because I know every member of my pack. And I don’t know you."

Oh, this is too good.

I step closer, pressing a hand to his chest—warm, solid, annoyingly sculpted. I force myself not to explore further.

Rising onto my toes, I lean in. He bends slightly, letting me whisper in his ear:

"Then you don’t know everyone. And my name isn’t sweetheart."

I catch his sharp inhale before spinning away. "Let’s go, Nate. I need to get home."

In the car, Nathaniel shoots me a look. "What was that? Why let him think you’re not from Blackthorn?"

"I didn’t let him think anything," I snap. "He started it. He has no idea who I am, then claims he knows everyone?"

"So why not just tell him?"

I gape. "Are you serious?"

Nathaniel sighs. "Just be careful, Ev. You’ll be bound to him eventually. Don’t make him hate you before that."

He’s right. When Adrian becomes Alpha, if I haven’t found my mate, I’ll officially become his Guardian. Stuck with him and his entourage indefinitely.

Ugh.

"Fine," I mutter. "If he approaches me again, I’ll be nice."

Nathaniel snorts. "Yeah, sure. Like you’re nice when someone touches your stuff."

I shrug. "Your point?"

He shakes his head as we pull up to my house. "See you tomorrow."

I wave him off and head inside, already dreading afternoon training with Dad.