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?

I froze as Adam's eyes landed on mine.

"Avaline?"

My hand clenched around Leo's but I didn't back down or hide. Not anymore. Adam's eyes flickered with something as he looked at both of us. For a moment, I thought it was guilt but I knew better.

Adam never felt sorry.

Jacob's voice rang catching Adam's attention. "Daddy! That's him! He pushed me!"

Adams's eyes darted to him before meeting mine again.

"Who is he?" Adam asked, his face unreadable. "Is he your son?"

My wolf growled at his accusation. Everyone's eyes were on us, including Leo's. My lips parted as I wanted to deny it but then someone's voice stopped me.

"Babe, what's taking you so long? Where's Jacob?"

My stomach twisted painfully. That voice, I could never mistake it.

Olivia.

She walked in gracefully, her perfume flooding the room. Her long blond hair shimmering under the light as she wrapped her hand around Adam's. Her eyes widened as she saw me.

"Avaline," she whispered, her face pale as she stared at me. Then her face twisted.

Jacob's cry got louder.

Olivia hugged her son, trying to find out what happened. Jacob's hand darted out pointing to Leo. Her expression hardened as she stood up. Her eyes darted to Leo.

"This is unacceptable," she said coldly. "Your son attacked mine. Just look at his body. It's obvious that he is more animal than human. I mean, look at our son, Adam."

Leo shrank back, his small hand clutching mine tighter. His wolf energy stirred faintly beneath his skin, frightened, not defiant.

I clenched my hands angrily as my wolf growled.

I let out a bitter laugh. "You two must know a thing or two about acting like animals," I said, my voice sharp and steady. Then I turned to their son, Jacob. "Leo isn't violent. So why don't you tell the truth? What did you do to provoke him?"

"I can't believe this. Are you saying my son started the fight?" Olivia asked stunned.

"The truth," I said slowly, meeting her eyes, "is that your son might not be as innocent as you think."

A few gasps rippled through the room. Olivia's lips parted slightly looking around. Most of the parents were finally turning against her as they murmured. Her mouth closed, her face twisting in anger.

Adam stepped forward, his gaze flicking to Leo like he was something filthy. "Avaline, whatever you're trying to say, it doesn't change the fact that he attacked first. This is a highly prestigious Academy. No matter what, violence is never the answer."

I swallowed the rising anger in my throat. How dare he talk as if he was a saint when he was the devil himself?

Leo hid behind me, his body still tensed. Reaching for him, I carried him up in my arms.

"It's okay," I whispered, brushing his hair back gently. "You did nothing wrong."

Olivia scoffed, "Like mother like son. It's not surprising that you would support your Omega son. Today, if the principal doesn't kick this boy out, she will have to deal with us. My husband is now the Alpha of Duskpaw pack."

My colleagues exchanged uneasy glances. One of them, a woman with kind eyes, spoke softly. "Mr and Mrs. Rhineheart, perhaps we should let the principal handle this-"

"Yes, I agree. Let the principal handle this." A voice said making me turn.

Orion walked into the room, his wolf's dominance washing over everyone like a wave. Everyone's eyes turned to him. Adams's face became pale immediately as everyone fell to their knees.

"Greetings Wolf Lord," they greeted.

Orion walked over to me and Leo.

"I want to see if the principal will actually expel my son from the Academy." Orion said.

The color drained from Adam's face. "Your... your son?" he stammered, glancing between Orion and Leo like he couldn't process it. "Did you just say he's-"

"I expected better from you, Alpha Rhineheart," he said, his tone deceptively calm. "You judge without knowing the truth, threaten a child qnd allow your mate to disrespect my blood. Have you forgotten your place?"

Olivia swallowed trying to regain her composure, but the faint tremor in Adam's hand betrayed them "Lord Orion," she began carefully, her voice soft "there's been a misunderstanding. The boy, your son attacked mine. We were only discussing-"

"Discussing expulsion? You were ready to brand my son violent without hearing the facts." Orion said, his eyes darting to Adams.

Olivia' swallowed. Reaching down at her son, she shook him "Jacob, stop crying," she hissed. "You must be faking it. Why lie about your classmate? Apologize. Now."

My wolf growled at her act. It was a performance to protect Adam.

But why hadn't Orion noticed their forbidden bond yet?

Jacob's voice was small. "I'm sorry," he muttered as he ran over and took Leo's hand. Then for a second, he squeezed Leo's hand before Leo pushed him away.

I shook my head. He was indeed his mother's son. Both of them good at pretending

"Since he's apologized, I won't press this further," Orion said, sliding his hand into mine. "But you will apologize to Avaline as well. You insulted her."

A chill ran through me as the others gasped.

Olivia's jaw clenched. Her eyes bored into mine. My wolf growled at the victory.

"I smell magic," my wolf whispered.

My muscles coiled. Magic? Had she used a spell to hide her human scent?

"I'm sorry," she said.

"Louder," Orion ordered.

Olivia's lips trembled. She glanced at Adam, then met my eyes. "I said I'm sorry," she repeated, her voice breaking.

"Next time, think twice before speaking against my family," Orion said, his eyes hard as he stared both of them down.

The word family echoed in my mind, tangling with confusion and a strange heat that rushed through my chest. Family. He'd said it so easily as if it was true.

"Let's go," Orion commanded, looping his arm around my shoulders as he led me out.

I looked back at Adam and Olivia.

Good. I'd won this round. Now I had to reveal them and their bond. I would make them pay for what they did five years ago.

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

The house was hauntingly silent as I stepped out of Leo's room, softly shutting the door behind me. The hallway stretched long and bright, every step echoing against the silence.

I started toward the stairs when a deep guttural growl rolled through the air, freezing me in place. My gaze snapped toward the end of the corridor, Orion's private quarters. His last rule echoed in my head. No trespassing.

I almost turned away. Almost. But something in that sound, raw and pained, made my wolf stir uneasily inside me. Against every instinct, I walked to the door, turned the knob, and stepped in.

The room was swallowed in shadows, the only light coming from the moon spilling through the window. Then I saw him. Orion lay on the bed, his arms and legs chained to the wall, his skin glistening with sweat. My breath caught in my throat.

"Orion!" I rushed forward, grabbing at the chains, only to hiss in pain as a sharp burn shot through my fingers. Silver. My skin reddened where it touched.

Why would he tie himself with silver?

Before I could think, his eyes snapped open. Icy blue. Wild. His growl filled the room, low and animalistic. My heart slammed against my ribs as he rose, the air thick with his scent.

"Your scent..." His voice was rough, unsteady. He leaned closer until his breath brushed my neck. "Mate."

Then his fangs sank into my shoulder.

I gasped as fire tore through my veins. Pain and shock tangled inside me. With a desperate shove, I pushed him away, watching him collapse back onto the bed, panting, his wolf retreating beneath the surface.

My trembling hand rose to my neck, my fingers brushing the punctured skin.

Orion marked me.