SERAPHINA

My first night at the Lupine Academy was anything but peaceful. I spent the entire night lying stiffly on the edge of my bed. Never in my life had I shared a room with anyone, let alone slept surrounded by people. Not just any just any group of people, Alpha males. My wolf's ears perked up at the slightest sound: the shift of weight on mattresses, the scrape of fingernails, or even a muffled cough. Every little movement made my muscles tense, especially knowing Alpha Ronan was one of them.

He had returned to the room after lights out when I was already in bed. I pretended to be asleep, my back turned in his direction, but for some reason, I felt his gaze lingering on me in the darkness. I clenched my blanket tighter. Was I imagining it because he'd spent the entire day staring at me? I didn't dare turn to confirm it. Better to leave it unanswered, knowing for sure would have robbed me of what little sleep I managed to snatch.

Morning came with the unmistakable sound of Reed and Cassius bickering, cursing, and throwing playful punches at each other. It was unnecessarily loud and obnoxious. Resigned, I sat up in bed, blinking my sleep-heavy eyes open - only to freeze as Ronan walked into the room, freshly bathed and wearing nothing but a towel slung low around his hips.

My breath caught in my throat and my eyes widened, as I nearly toppled off the bed, completely caught off guard by the unexpected display of near-nudity. Why the hell was he roaming around like that? His eyes were already fixed on me, so I quickly schooled my expression, forcing my features into a mask of indifference as I stood up from the bed. But my heart was still racing like a wild stallion in my chest.

Of course, it was an all-male dormitory. Such casual nakedness was probably normal here. Reed was half-naked, and Cassius... well, his state of undress didn't even bear describing. Yet none of them compared to Ronan. His body was lethal perfection - every inch of him was hard, honed muscle. While tying my shoes, I couldn't stop my eyes from stealing a glance. Droplets of water rolled down his wet hair and slid over his eight-pack abs, trailing down toward the towel hanging dangerously low around his hips. His broad, intimidating 6'3" frame seemed to command the room without effort.

Unlike the others, Ronan's back wasn't flawless. It was marred by scars - old, jagged things criss crossing his skin. Not the kind you earned from sparring matches or academy drills. No, those scars told a different story. A history of brutal battles. Real, bloody wars. Despite myself, I found my gaze lingering, drawn by a curiosity I couldn't name.

Then, as if sensing my scrutiny, he casually hooked a finger under the edge of his towel, and my breath hitched as it loosened slightly. Instantly, I yanked my eyes away, my heart thudding wildly. Shit. I'd seen naked men before, plenty of times during training and on the battlefield. But for some reason, when it came to him, it rattled me.

Get a grip, Sera, I silently scolded myself and made my way to my cupboard.

The room gradually emptied as the other Alphas started getting ready in their uniforms, leaving me to gather a fresh uniform. I was just reaching for it when Ronan's voice came from right behind me.

"You slept in your uniform?"

I froze, my hand tightening around the fabric. He was standing close, far too close. I hadn't intended to sleep fully dressed. I wanted to change into something more comfortable, but every time I'd considered it, one of them would show up, making it impossible to undress without risking exposure. And I couldn't let anyone see the bandages around my chest.

"I was too lazy to change," I replied casually, forcing myself to turn and meet his gaze.

One dark brow arched. "Then what? Too lazy to shower, too?"

I bit the inside of my cheek. Truth was, I'd been avoiding it. Afraid that the water might wash away the concealing scent of the perfume I used to mask my true identity. I'd planned to bathe once the room was empty, but why the hell was he so interested in my hygiene?

"I love being dirty," I shot back, a wicked grin playing on my lips as his expression darkened. Across the room, Finn stiffened, clearly catching my comment. I kept going, just to see the look on Ronan's face. "Sometimes I don't bathe for weeks. Months, even."

I was about to add something even more outrageous to hopefully creep him out for good when Cassius burst into the room, slinging an arm around my shoulders like we were old friends. My wolf tensed instantly at the unwanted, too-close contact. It took every ounce of restraint not to twist his arm and slam him to the floor.

"Seth! You haven't washed up yet, have you?" he grinned, completely oblivious. "Let's hit the showers before the bell rings."

My stomach dropped. Communal showers? No private stalls? My pulse hammered against my ribs.

Before I could react, a deep, low growl rippled through the room. Everyone stilled.

Ronan's sharp eyes locked on Cassius, his gaze flicking pointedly to the arm draped around my shoulders. "Don't you see I'm talking to him?" His voice was a deadly, simmering threat. "Get out."

SERAPHINA

Cassius instantly dropped his arm and, with a muttered apology, ducked out with the others.

I stared after him, then glanced back at Ronan, unsettled by the sudden aggression in his stance. What the hell was that about?

"Ronan," someone called from outside the room.

Ronan turned toward the doorway, where a handsome Alpha with dirty blonde hair leaned casually against the frame. A powerful, commanding aura surrounded him, the kind that made even the air feel heavier.

Without a word, Ronan gave him a brief nod - and for some reason, cast a fleeting glance in my direction before striding out.

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. His presence alone threatened something inside me I couldn't name.

Soon, the others were ready in their uniforms, while I busied myself unpacking the few belongings I had left, pretending to be preoccupied as I neatly arranged them in the cupboard.

Without warning, Reed kicked my shoe - not hard enough to injure, but not gently either.

"Hey, Tiny," he sneered, looking down at me with a twisted grin. "I'm sure you read the instructions about living in the dormitory."

I glanced up at him, keeping my expression calm and indifferent. "I did."

"Then why the hell aren't you ready yet?!" he snapped, his voice grating and sharp. "The bell's about to ring, and everyone has to be in the cafeteria, training grounds, or hall according to schedule. Sharing a room with a weakling like you is already embarrassing enough. Don't you dare be late or do anything to stain my reputation. I'm in charge of this room, and I swear, if you break any rules, I'll beat you to death."

Growling under his breath, he turned on his heel and stormed out, leaving me standing alone in the now-silent room.

I watched his retreating back, the faint echo of his footsteps fading just as the bell sounded.

Snatching my uniform, I dashed out of the room and sprinted down the empty hallway toward the bathroom. Just as I'd hoped, it was completely empty. But one look at the foggy glass shower stalls made my stomach twist. They offered little privacy, barely a blur between bodies and shapes.

I clenched my jaw. How the hell was I supposed to pull this off every day? I could manage it now, but this wouldn't be sustainable. Sooner or later, someone would notice something. I needed a plan.

Quickly stripping, I took the fastest shower imaginable, doused myself with the scent-masking perfume, and dressed. By the time I reached the cafeteria, I was breathless and half-drenched with both the water and sweat.

The room was already filled with Alphas eating, their eyes following me with unreadable expressions, some curious, others dismissive. Their stares pricked at my skin, but I ignored them and made my way to the food counter.

Only to find it nearly empty.

Most of the food containers were scraped clean. Even the desserts and chicken wings, portions usually prepared to match the number of students, were gone. I glanced up at the server wolf, who immediately looked away, guilt clear in his face.

Behind me, laughter broke out.

Turning my head, I saw the same group of Alphas, plates piled high with more food than they could possibly finish - my share among it.

"Hey, Tiny," one of them, the one they called Jordan, who I remembered standing beside Alpha Dante yesterday, called out with a smirk. He was Dante's friend, "I've got way too much food on my plate. Don't worry, I'll make sure to leave some leftovers for you."

Laughter erupted around him. I silently looked past Jordan to the other side of the cafeteria where a pair of blue eyes were watching me, Dante. He looked like he wanted to tear me apart. I slowly tore my eyes from him.

I didn't rise to Dante's friend's bait. Keeping my expression unreadable, I calmly gathered the few scraps that remained - a couple of small apple slices, a half-serving of potatoes, a glass of water. It wasn't much, but it would have to do.

I took my plate and moved to an empty corner of the cafeteria, sitting alone. Finn sitting some distance away with his friends exchanged a small smile that I returned. But Ronan was nowhere to be found. I thought the rules were for everyone, so how come he acted freely on his own?

The first official day of training and classes was about to begin, and I needed to focus. I wouldn't let a bunch of arrogant Alphas screw with my plans. Laying low was the safest option for now. What mattered was surviving, learning, and eventually claiming the top spot on the leaderboard.

But, apparently, the universe had other ideas.

Jordan and his group made their way over, surrounding my table like a pack of hyenas, grinning like they already owned me.

"Eating so little. Is that why you're so malnourished?" Jordan jeered, loud enough for the entire cafeteria to hear.

Laughter erupted around us.

I calmly bit into my apple slice, not sparing him a glance. His words rolled off me like water off a duck. I wasn't ashamed of my frame. I was, after all, an Alpha female - built with the best physique an Alpha female could possess. But compared to the broader, bulkier builds of male Alphas, my stature naturally appeared smaller. That didn't make me weak.

Jordan's friends chimed in, their voices thick with mockery. "I wonder how this tiny loser made it here. Bet he's got some powerful daddy pulling strings for him."

Another burst of laughter rippled through the room, while Jordan kept his gaze locked on me. Waiting and craving any hint of a reaction.

"I think we all know who is going to be going home today after the day's challenge," someone added with a smug grin, and the wave of insults continued.

But I didn't flinch. I didn't frown. I didn't give them a thing.

Jordan's smugness soured, his temper fraying when he couldn't get a rise out of me. His hand shot out, seizing my collar, yanking me toward him.

"Hey, you little fucker," he growled, his voice low and sharp. "How dare you treat me like air?"

In my head, Phina snarled. 'Let me out. I'll make his hands useless for the rest of his life,'

'No, not now,' I pushed her back, my expression cold, empty.

I met Jordan's gaze, my own eyes unblinking and devoid of fear. Something in the way I stared through him made him hesitate, a flicker of unease flashing in his eyes. He felt it. The insult. The challenge.

His fist rose, aiming for my face.

Before he could even move, a hand slammed a juice cup down onto my table with a sharp, metallic clang. The sudden noise cut through the cafeteria like a blade.

Silence followed, thick and suffocating.

Jordan froze. His face drained of color.

The entire room held its breath.

"Seth Darven," a voice called my name.

I slowly tilted my head up to see Ronan standing right behind me, his expression dark, his presence radiating danger.

He didn't look at Jordan. He didn't look at the others. His focus was solely on me.

"You are a wolf that I took into my den," he said quietly, his voice a low, commanding growl as he tilted my chin up between his fingers, locking his gaze with mine. "How dare you let yourself be bullied?"

RONAN

Reaper.

That's what they called me.

A name I earned at fifteen, the night I took my first life. Not in a sanctioned duel, but during a hunt. A traitor, disguised as a childhood friend. The betrayer. The liar I hated down to the marrow of my bones.

I didn't hesitate. Didn't flinch. I buried him myself, while I walked away with blood on my hands towards my father's throne that awaited me. But I wanted to build my own. And the place to do that was Lupine Academy.

Lupine Academy, where power meant everything and weakness was a death sentence, I'd built a reputation no one dared challenge. The dominance, ambition and bloodlust was second nature but none of them dared to cross me.

Not the sons of regional Alphas, not the heirs of centuries old bloodlines. I wasn't just an Alpha. I was the Alpha. The reaper. The one they whispered about when they thought I wasn't listening.

I ruled this Academy long before I was officially crowned its top rank inhabitant. I was staying only to win battles that no one could have been in the past 100 years and build my own throne. Even if I had to make steps carved of blood and death.

And I liked it that way. But...then he crossed the Academy gates.

I could feel it the moment a new presence broke into my world. It was not like others. Not bold, not overconfident instead observing, quiet, careful but his amber eyes locking with mine burning ones with a stubborn defiance.

The moment our eyes met, it stirred something within me that I could not pinpoint. And my wolf that only showed his teeth to the strong, challenge, blood, violence and victory awoke in my mind, secretly watching the boy standing among my aura without flinching or fearing.

On top of that his scent or rather, the lack of one made my instincts twitch. Every wolf had a scent. Every single one. Except this one.

Interesting.

I'd been watching from the balcony, arms crossed over my chest as the new recruits arrived and ran away. All were forgettable, losers that were accidentally born as Alphas, and would only be blessed with the Alpha position when their father chose them based on their bloodline.

But him... this small Alpha with a questionable appearance, was a puzzle. And I didn't like puzzles. Not in my territory.

His presence whispered that he didn't belong here. His shoulders squared, but there was something too precise about the way he moved. Like a soldier pretending to be a thug. Loose clothes like losers but a strong aura with a pretty little face? Everything was odd about him.

And when I questioned his identity, he tensed, not visible to anyone else, but I caught it. He never tore his big and beautiful amber eyes away. Unreadable. Cold. But I'd been Alpha long enough to recognize fear pretending to be bravery. However this one was hesitant.

He answered in a tone that was too carefully crafted to be natural. "Seth Darven."

The name mingled in my senses like poison.

His absence of a scent prickled at me. My instincts screamed there was something greatly wrong. Only a faint trace of herbs, some artificial masking agent. Or perfume. Clever. Too clever.

He had to be hiding something. I expected him to crack. Most did. But his expression didn't so much as twitch. Impressive. Way too impressive. This little wolf was not what he looked like.

And the way he talked back to me...he was not afraid even a little bit. Wolves knew better than to raise their voice to me. This one either didn't, or he didn't care. Both possibilities made my blood stir. And a trill of interest coiled in my gut. Dangerous. Reckless. And exactly the kind of thing I hated... or craved.

And I wanted to play with this new pup a little longer.

But then Jordan and his pathetic pack of lap dogs cornered him like vultures fighting over a carcass. My observation was interrupted. The mocking taunts. The way Seth sat there, unmoved, unbothered pissed me off for some reasons. Then Jordan made the mistake of grabbing his collar.

I moved before I realised. Slamming my drink onto the table with a metallic crack that shut the entire room up.

"How dare you let them bully you?" I murmured, lifting his chin between my fingers. His skin felt delicate beneath my touch. His amber eyes widened in shock.

The bell rang in the distance, sending the rest of the Alphas sprinting out of the cafeteria without a backward glance.

Except Seth, he jerked his face away and rose with a small frown on his face.

"What you've been doing since I arrived - staring, touching, that's bullying too, Alpha Ronan," he said calmly, stepping closer. "If you want me to deal with them, I should probably start with you, don't you think?"

For a brief, sharp moment, our eyes locked. But like usual he did not let my gaze linger on his longer. Before he turned away, grabbing his tray.

I did not move away from his path. He brushed passed me too closely. I closed my eyes and inhaled in that moment. Once again the herbs and perfume. Nothing else.

My wolf growled low in my mind, restless.

"Who's that cocky little bastard you're letting roam around?" Asher muttered, having leaned against the wall the entire time.

"That's what I intend to find out," I replied, eyes tracking Seth's retreating figure. Particularly the way his ass looked, even in those loose pants.

"But for now let him think he could run," I murmured.

Let him think he could hide. Let him believe this was over.

Let him imagine he could win, either this battle for the throne or the fire he'd just set between us.

Because in my world, nothing stayed hidden for long.

And if Seth Darven thought he could walk into my territory without answering to me... he was about to learn the hard way.

As he reached the exit, he glanced back over his shoulder, meeting my gaze one final time.

The corner of my lips curved into a cold, feral grin.

"Run, little wolf."