Ava clenched the strap of her bag tighter, her breath catching as the hallway emptied around her. Damon's voice echoed in her mind, still sharp from their unexpected confrontation minutes ago.
"Why are you here?" he had asked, his piercing gaze locking her in place like she was a puzzle he couldn't quite solve.
Now, standing outside the main hall, Ava tried to shake the memory. She'd planned on keeping her head down and avoiding attention. How had things unraveled so quickly?
Behind her, footsteps approached, firm and deliberate.
"Running away already?" Damon's voice came again, low and edged with something she couldn't name.
She spun around, schooling her expression. "I wasn't aware you were following me."
"I wasn't," he replied, though his smirk betrayed the truth. His eyes flickered, scanning her with a mix of suspicion and curiosity. "You're not like the others."
The comment sent a prickle down her spine, but she forced herself to remain calm. "Neither are you," she countered, her voice steady despite the storm brewing inside her.
Damon took a step closer, the air between them thick with unspoken tension. "Careful, Ava. You're not as invisible as you think."
Her heart pounded in her chest, but she refused to let him see her falter. "I don't know what you mean," she said, tilting her chin up defiantly.
Damon's expression darkened, but before he could respond, a sharp laugh cut through the tension.
"Well, isn't this cozy?"
They both turned to see Selene leaning casually against the wall, her arms crossed and a mocking smile playing on her lips.
"Damon," she drawled, her gaze flicking to Ava. "I didn't realize you'd taken an interest in the help."
Ava's cheeks burned, but she refused to let the insult land. "Excuse me," she said quietly, stepping past Selene and heading toward the exit.
Behind her, she could hear Damon's voice drop to a dangerous tone. "Stay out of this, Selene."
The exchange only fueled her resolve. She couldn't let herself get tangled in their world, no matter how tempting or terrifying Damon's presence might be.
But as she stepped outside, the cool night air biting at her skin, a shadow moved in the corner of her vision.
Ava froze. The sensation of being watched crawled up her spine, and she turned slowly, scanning the empty courtyard. Nothing seemed out of place, but the feeling lingered, heavy and oppressive.
She shook it off and started toward the dorms, her pace quickening. She couldn't afford to be late again.
The path was dimly lit, and the rustling of leaves in the wind only added to her unease. Ava gripped her bag tightly, forcing herself to focus on the familiar route.
"Lost, little wolf?"
The voice came from the shadows, low and taunting.
Ava's breath hitched as a figure stepped into view. Lucas. His easy smile didn't reach his eyes, which glinted with something far less friendly.
"I'm not lost," she said, her voice firmer than she felt.
Lucas tilted his head, studying her. "Interesting. You don't look like you belong here, but you don't seem afraid, either."
Ava didn't respond, her mind racing for an escape. She'd heard the rumors about Lucas Draven, the charming son of Pack B's Alpha. But seeing him now, there was an edge to him that the whispers hadn't captured.
He took a step closer, and Ava instinctively stepped back.
"Relax," he said, his smile widening. "I'm just curious. Damon seems to have taken a liking to you, and that makes you... fascinating."
Her jaw tightened. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Lucas chuckled, the sound low and dangerous. "You're a terrible liar, Ava."
Her name on his lips felt like a challenge, and she hated how it made her pulse quicken.
Before she could respond, another voice cut through the tension.
"Lucas, that's enough."
Damon emerged from the darkness, his presence commanding and unmistakable.
Lucas's smile faltered, but he didn't back down. "Just making conversation," he said lightly, though his tone held a sharp edge.
Damon stepped between them, his back to Ava. "Leave her alone," he said, his voice cold and unyielding.
Lucas held his ground for a moment before shrugging. "Whatever you say, little brother."
He shot Ava one last look, a mix of amusement and warning, before disappearing into the shadows.
Ava exhaled shakily, the tension in her body refusing to ease.
"You shouldn't be out here alone," Damon said, turning to face her.
"I can take care of myself," she replied, her voice sharper than she intended.
Damon's expression softened, but only slightly. "Maybe. But you shouldn't have to."
Before she could process his words, a distant howl pierced the night, sending a chill through her.
Damon's eyes narrowed, and his posture stiffened. "Get back to the dorms. Now."
"What's going on?" she asked, her heart racing.
"Go," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Ava hesitated for only a moment before turning and running toward the safety of the dorms.
Behind her, she could hear Damon's low growl as he faced whatever danger lurked in the shadows.
And as she reached the dormitory steps, the realization hit her like a blow: she wasn't just a bystand
er in their world anymore. Whatever secrets Damon and Lucas were hiding, she was now a part of them.