(Three years later)

The children's smiles widened as I read the last chapter of the children's book. I took a deep breath, finishing off with a smile as I closed the book.

"And that would be all children," I said, watching as their faces filled with disappointment as if I had taken their last candy from them.

" Teacher Ava, can you read us one last book?" Andrew, one of the children in my class asked, his eyes cute as if he was trying hard to persuade me.

My eyes darted to the clock on the wall and I chuckled.

" I can't, Andrew." I said shuffling his dark brown hair. "Maybe tomorrow. Teacher Ava has to go somewhere important."

The classroom filled up with a chorus of tiny groans and pouts. Their tiny hands clutched the edges of their desks while their eyes stare at me sulkingly as if their little rebellion could keep me there forever. I laughed softly, shaking my head.

"Go on now," I said, ushering them toward the door. "Your parents are waiting."

One by one, they grabbed their bags and ran out, their laughter echoing down the hall. After the last child waved goodbye, I gathered the storybooks and placed them neatly on the shelf. My smile faded as silence settled in.

This was the only place where I wasn't spat on. Where my parents' brand as traitors didn't haunt me.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed on the table.

Gideon

My stomach tightened.

The name alone was enough to send a chill through me. I didn't want to answer but the sharp sting in my wrist made the choice for me. The pain shot up my arm, searing hot. I glanced down. The metal bracelet around my wrist glowed faintly, its edges biting into my skin.

A gift from the club, they had said.

A symbol of belonging for all the new girls.

But I knew better. It was a leash.

I pressed my trembling fingers against the band, trying to ease the burn, but it only grew worse the longer I hesitated. Gritting my teeth, I answered the call.

"Avaline," Gideon's deep voice drawled, smooth but cold. "You're late."

"I-class just ended," I said quickly. "I'll be there soon."

"You'd better be," he replied, and the line went dead.

The bracelet's heat eased but the ache still lingered.

I grabbed my coat and hurried out, the hot sun hitting me as I rushed through the city. By the time I reached the club, it was already night. Neon lights bounced off the dance floor, the music echoing loudly.

Gideon stood at the entrance, his arms folded, a cigarette between his lips. The smoke curled lazily around him as his gaze locked on me.

"About time," he said, flicking the ash aside. "You've got a private request tonight."

My throat tightened. "From who?"

A slow, knowing smirk curved his mouth. "You'll see soon enough."

My heart sank. I already had a bad feeling about it.

" Come on," Gideon pushed me in. "Don't waste time and do your makeup. This client is very special."

The word special made my stomach churn. Was their any powerful client that wasn't special?

I grabbed my dress from the locker and changed. Standing in front of the mirror, I started doing my makeup when Reina walked in. Her sexy outfit reflected in the mirror, leaving nothing to the imagination.

" Look who is here," she sneered as she walked up to me. "Teacher Ava who thinks she can pay her way out of the club by reading books rather than doing her job."

The other girls joined in laughing.

My hand clenched around my brush as I watched her mock me. However, I couldn't do anything about it. I couldn't show my wolf out neither could I let anyone see my tattoo. I'd been hiding my wolf and my past for years. Everyone believed I was weak. A new moon Omega with no backbone.

" What are you looking at?" Reina asked, her crescent moon tattoo glimmering on her arm. "Better watch your back, Avaline. One of these days, I'm going to beat you up." she said pushing my head to the side before she worked away.

My wolf growled low, within me. Threatening to force her way out. I closed my eyes, trying to keep my cool.

Not now.

My hand rubbed over my arm where my tattoo was. I had done a good job of putting a fake tattoo to cover my real one.

"Avaline!" Gideon yelled from outside the dressing room making me jerk.

I grabbed my bag and put all my things inside before slidding it into the locker. Reina, the club's former princess barely left any space for me. It was useless to complain. Gideon never shouted or punished Reina.

" Already done!" I yelled.

I walked out of the dressing room, my hands sweaty as I stood before Gideon. His eyes lingered on me hungrily as he took in my outfit. He had wanted me for years. However thanks to my quick wit, I managed to avoid him long enough to almost finish paying my debt.

"Ravaging as always," he said breathless. "Too bad a high paying client wants you. Tonight, you can't escape even if you wanted to."

My jaw clenched.

He grinned, stepping closer, his breath reeking of smoke and whiskey. "Room thirteen. Don't keep him waiting."

Room thirteen. The number alone made my pulse quicken. That room was only reserved by powerful people.

I forced a nod and turned away heading up the stairs. I was prepared. The injection I had hidden earlier was still on me. I had used it to make many of my clients sleep in the past, I could do it again.

My heels clicked softly against the marble, each sound too loud in the silence that followed. As I neared the door marked 13, a strange shiver ran down my spine. My wolf stirred uneasily inside me, pressing against the walls I'd built to keep her hidden.

Something was wrong.

I reached for the door handle and pushed it open.

The scent hit me hard as I entered. It was him.

Wolf Lord Orion Draemount.

"Close the door," his command echoed making me swallow.

I obeyed.

"Come in," his voice echoed roughly in the room.

I walked in, the soft sound of my footsteps echoing as I pushed past the curtain. The moment I saw him, I froze. Something about his presence made me feel exposed.

He was older, maybe ten years older, but it didn't show at all with the way he carried himself. His shirt clung to his chest, muscles shifting beneath the fabric as he leaned back on the couch, his arms stretched casually along the top. His dark hair was slicked back, his eyes calm but sharp, as if nothing in the world could unsettle him.

Then the past rushed in. The screams, the blood, the night my parents were killed. My breath caught. Was he the one who paid for me? The thought made my stomach twist.

I couldn't do this. I couldn't stay here.

"What would you like for me to do, sir? Pole dance or lap dance?" I asked, keeping my voice natural as I clenched the syringe

"Master," he corrected.

"What?"

"Master. Gideon just sold you to me." he said making my breath hitch.

This couldn't be.

Sold.

The words slammed into me like a punch as I heard it. Suddenly, everything made sense. Gideon's words earlier and his sly smile.

He had sold me off to my enemy without batting an eyelash.

"I'm sorry. There has to be a misunderstanding. I'm not for sale." I whispered before turning around to leave.

"Stop."

His command made my feet freeze in place. My wolf growled at his presence, my eyes barely flashing red before it became normal again. I turned to look at him.

Orion rose from his seat, "Sit," he said quietly.

Despite his calm voice, I knew it wasn't a request.

My pulse roared in my ears. "You can't just....buy people."

His lips curved into a smile, "I didn't buy a person. I bought your contract."

I stared at him. "What contract?"

He reached for the folder resting on the table beside him, sliding it toward me. The gold-embossed seal gleamed under the dim light. It was the same one I had signed when I got here. I had been naive, stupid to believe I could seek shelter from just anyone. Gideon's signature glimmered under the blue lights.

"Gideon signed over your service rights to me," he said, his voice calm, but his gaze pinned me in place. "Legally binding. You're under exclusive employment for the next eight months. I know you're a teacher at Lunara Academy."

My stomach twisted. "How did you-"

"I always know everything about what I own," he interrupted softly, pulling the metal bracelet off my hand.

My eyes flickered to the floor as it hit it with a loud thud. Was this some prank?

My lips parted open but I stopped myself. Now was the best time to get close to him, to get my revenge and also make Adams pay for what he did to me. I could kill two birds with one stone.

" Don't worry. I have no interest in your body." he spat. " What I need is for you to help tutor him. Once he wins, I'll set you free along with $50,000. You will no longer be an Omega" Orion said, his eyes searching mine.

No longer an Omega.. As the Wolf Lord, he could do that.

I didn't ask anymore information. I just reached down and signed the other contract.

"Fine." I said, staring at him. "Don't forget your promise."

Orion smiled, his hand flickering over the paper that held my signature. "I won't."

*****************************************

(A Few Days Later)

I stood in front of the Wolf Lord's mansion, the building towering over me as my hand gripped my suitcase. Everything I owned packed inside, which wasn't much. Moonlight spilled across my face as I took a steady breath and stepped forward. Before I could even knock, the double doors swung open on their own as if they'd been expecting me.

"Greetings, Teacher Avaline." The servants said making me swallow.

"I'll take you to your room." An elderly woman stepped up, her hands reaching for my suitcase when I stopped.

"It's okay, I can carry it." I said, feeling a wave of shame as my hand tightened around the handle.

The elderly woman said nothing and just led me upstairs. My eyes flickered around the mansion as she led me up to a room.

" The Wolf Lord is waiting for you." she whispered and then she was gone.

I took a deep breath and pushed open the door.

Orion stood by the window, his back turned to me. This time, he wasn't in a suit. He wore a black t-shirt that stretched across his chest and dark jeans that made him look dangerously male. Casual, yet every line of him still screamed power and sexy.

When he turned, his eyes caught mine and held them. "You're finally here."

I swallowed, my throat tight. "Well, let's just say that I got lost."

"Sit." He gestured toward the chair in front of him.

I sat, perching at the edge, my fingers curling around the fabric. It was soft. Softer than I had ever imagined. Everything in this place was beyond my wildest dreams.

"There are rules, Avaline," he said finally. "Three of them. Break any, and our deal ends immediately. I'll send you back to Gideon."

I nodded once, pretending to be calm.

"The first," he began, "you must not tell anyone about our contract. Not the servants, not your friends, no one. What happens between us stays between us."

He paused, watching my reaction but I gave none.

"The second," he continued, lowering his voice, "you must tutor my son for over six hours per day. His welfare and everything that has to do with his studies is now in your hands. I want to see improvements or our deal is off."

My breath caught. Improvements.

'Asshole' my wolf whispered.

I forced a nod again.

"And the third..." His eyes darkened, the air between us thickening with something unspoken. "You do not enter my private quarters. Ever. No matter what you hear, no matter who asks you to. That part of the mansion is forbidden to you."

A shiver ran down my spine. There was a slight warning tone in his voice.

I hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Understood."

"Good." His voice softened slightly, though his expression didn't. "You'll start tomorrow. My son, Leo, can be... difficult. Don't take it personally. Just do your job."

"I've handled worse," I said before I could stop myself.

A small flicker of amusement on his lips as he stared at me.

"You'll be given access to the east wing. Stay within it unless summoned. Meals are served at seven, one, and eight. If you're late, you'll eat alone. But I would not suggest that since you must eat with Leo."

So that was it. No warmth, no pretense of hospitality. Just rules. They weren't too bad.

"Do you understand everything I've said?"

"Yes."

"Then what do you want?" Orion leaned back.

Revenge.

I smiled sweetly, "Nothing. You've given me everything I ever wanted. My freedom and a place to stay."

My wolf growled at my act.

"Then you may leave."

I stood, smoothed my skirt, and turned toward the door. As I stepped out, the door closed behind me with a soft click, leaving me alone in the endless corridor. My pulse finally steadied, and I exhaled shakily.

Three rules.

No secrets.

No failure.

No trespassing.

Simple enough.

But something about the third rule bothered me. Why was he so adamant about me not going into his bedroom? What was he hiding?

I didn't know yet but I intended to find out.

My wolf growled as I forced myself out of bed.

She didn't like waking up early and neither did I. It was the only thing we agreed on apart from the fact that we both wanted revenge. I walked up to the closet and searched through the wardrobe. My eyes landed on a pretty yet modest peach gown. It was the perfect for school and for seducing the Wolf Lord. Grabbing it out of the wardrobe, I took it and went to the bathroom.

A few minutes later, I walked out, steam curling out of my body as I stood in front of the mirror. My eyes landed on the scar on my stomach. It had been three years since Adam's betrayal yet it was as if it had happened just yesterday. He had abadoned me to die because he didn't want his secret exposed.

"Ms. Ross, breakfast is ready."

I turned at the sound of the maid's voice, pulling my thoughts away from the past. "I'll be right there," I said softly.

I took one last glance in the mirror before I dressed up. Forcing a smile onto my face, I stepped out.

The scent of fresh bread, eggs, and roasted meat greeted me as I walked down the marble staircase. The dining hall was massive, its ceiling high enough to make me feel small, and sunlight poured through the tall glass windows, catching on the polished silverware.

At the far end of the long dining table sat a boy.

He couldn't have been more than four or five. His dark hair fell slightly over his brow, and his eyes sharp and stormy gray, just like Orion's. He flickered up at me once before dropping back to his plate. He ate slowly without a word as if he was being forced to eat.

"You must be Leo," I said softly, trying not to sound too eager.

He didn't respond.

I smiled anyway and moved closer, pulling out a chair next to him. "I've heard a lot about you, Leo. Nice to meet you, I'm Avaline. But you can call me Aunt Ava."

Still nothing.

The servants exchanged nervous glances. One of them quietly poured juice into my glass before hurrying away, leaving just the boy and me in the silent room.

I tried again. "You know, I've always liked kids who don't talk too much. It shows how mature and mysterious they are."

His fork paused mid-air. For a second, I thought he'd finally say something. Instead, he shrugged and went back to eating.

My wolf huffed in amusement.

He's got claws, that one.

I ignored her smirk. "Do you always eat this quietly?" I asked, my tone light. "Or is this because I'm here?"

He shot me a quick, cold, and disinterested glance. "You talk a lot," he muttered finally, his voice low but clear.

I bit back a laugh "And you don't talk enough."

He frowned and stabbed his eggs like they'd offended him.

Alright then. So much for making friends.

I leaned back in my chair, studying him. His small shoulders were tense, guarded, like someone who'd already learned not to trust easily. I recognized that look. I'd still wore it myself.

Still, I couldn't let him win this silent war.

"Well," I said lightly, reaching for my juice, "looks like I'm going to have my hands full with you, Leo."

He didn't reply, but I caught the faintest twitch at the corner of his mouth - not quite a smile, but not pure defiance

either.

That was something.

A challenge.

*****************************************

The Lunara's academy gate stood tall as we arrived in front of it. Leo slid out of the car, his eyes hooded as he stood with his small backpack. I took a deep breath watching him. He seemed quite mature for his age.

My eyes darted to the surrounding around us. Nobody could see me with Leo. He was a new student and apart from it being one of the Wolf Lord's rules, the school didn't allow teachers having relationships with students outside school.

"You'll do just fine," I whispered crouching down to fix his shoelace when Leo walked off.

A scoff escaped my lips as I straightened. "Stubborn little wolf," I muttered under my breath.

The school grounds were alive with chatter, young wolves running past me, their laughter ringing through the courtyard. I smiled as they disappeared into their classes and I went into mine.

The walls of the class gleamed as sunlight spilled in. A dozen curious faces turned to me, children of different ranks, each scent unique, their eyes bright and full of questions.

"Good morning," I greeted, forcing a warm smile. "Let's settle down, shall we?"

They obeyed quickly, their small voices whispering to one another. For a moment, the room felt calm. Peaceful even.

But my wolf was unsettled because of Leo.

He wasn't in my class. He was in the next class, the class for gifted young pups. The thought of him being alone and afraid on his first day stirred something in me. I fetched a new book and began reading when all of a sudden, a loud crash echoed through the walls.

My hand froze midair just as I was about to turn the page.

The loud sound of someone wailing followed. My instincts kicked in before reason did. I stepped out of my classroom, my wolf's hearing sharpening as I followed the noise down the hall.

It was coming from Leo's class.

A crowd had already gathered, parents murmuring in low tones. Pushing through them, I caught sight of Leo standing in the center of the room, his chest heaving, his little fists clenched tight. A smaller boy sat on the floor, crying, pointing at him.

"He pushed me!" the boy shouted, his voice trembling. "He's mean! He's violent!"

The parents around continued to talk, their hands pointing at Leo.

"I told you he's trouble."

"Poor thing, he must not have a mother."

Leo stood rigid, his gray eyes burning with something fierce. He didn't deny it. He didn't speak. He just stared at the ground, silent as the crowd's whispers tore him apart.

I took a step forward wrapping my arms around him when a voice rang out behind me.

"What's going on here? Jacob!"

My body froze as Adam rushed over to help the other boy up.

My hand trembled as the memories came crashing back.

What was he doing here?