Hay Creek

Chapter 18

Kai

"If hunters are after you, don't drag me into it! The only reason they were near my territory is because of you and your pack!" Roman hissed. I slammed my locker shut and faced him, eyes blazing.

"They were on your territory first and targeted one of your dogs before anything else. I know you're not the brightest, but you can't be that oblivious. They were hunting you, not me. If you want to throw your nonsense at me, be my guest. But don't expect my undivided attention. I'm done playing your irrelevant games. I have more important things to focus on—things you wouldn't understand. The only thing on your mind is making my life miserable. Well, congratulations; it looks like you're succeeding!"

He growled and stepped closer. "Funny how you always end up getting dragged into this. It seems my so-called irrelevant issues are firmly lodged in your mind."

"Listen to me, Roman. I am not my father, so whatever grudge your late father had against mine, keep it away from me. Stop pushing me into these pointless fights—"

He cut me off, his voice dripping with contempt. "I don't have to listen to you. You're just like your father, even if you can't see it yet. Your father was a corrupt bastard, and while he's gone, I'm still here. I swore to uphold my father's pride and finish what he started. I hate your father, and the fact that you're his son means I hate you too! You're the one who doesn't get it! You should feel lucky that I'm willing to make you understand!"

"By ruining my life in the process? Whatever, Roman. Don't be surprised if you end up getting hurt, too. If I have to suffer because of you, I'll drag you down with me! You should be grateful I just made YOU understand that!" I spat before storming away.

Avery.

Today, we had art class outside. Mister Otto insisted that the fresh air would spark our creativity, and I didn't mind at all—the weather was perfect. I sat on the steps at the school entrance with Marley and Greyson, waiting for Kai, who was running late. I suspected it had something to do with Roman, as he was nowhere to be seen either. I was focused on sketching Quinn and Lachlan, who were standing by a tree across from us.

"I hate drawing and I hate this class. On a sunny day like this, I just want to run," Greyson complained.

"Oh, come on! This is fun! We're outside, and you're still whining," Marley shot back.

I chuckled. "I actually enjoy this class. You hardly have to put in any effort, and it's easy to pass."

"No way! English is the subject you can skate through. This requires too much thought just to fill a blank piece of paper," Greyson argued.

"You're such a baby, babe," Marley teased, resting her head on his shoulder.

"I'm not!" he protested, but they were adorable together, and it made me smile.

"Hey, Ave, I'm tired of holding this pose." Lachlan's voice broke my concentration.

"Oh, it's fine. I've already got a sketch," I replied.

"In a minute, I'll be making my rounds to see what everyone has created," Mister Otto announced.

"Look at my drawing! Isn't it amazing?" Stella chimed in as she approached us.

"What did you draw?" Marley asked curiously.

Stella revealed her artwork—a wolf that, if I didn't know better, looked remarkably like Archer in his true form.

"You seriously drew your mate? How are you going to explain that to Mister Otto?" Greyson smirked.

"That's easy. I'll just say I dreamed about it," Stella shrugged.