The soreness from yesterday's sparring session still clung to Jason's muscles, but he relished it. Every ache, every bruise was a reminder — he was built different now. His knuckles were still slightly scuffed from dismantling Marcus, and the way everyone in the gym stared at him after was unforgettable. They know I'm a monster now.
But today was different. Today, Jason was stepping into another battlefield — high school.
His mother, Sophia, knocked on his door. "Jason, breakfast is ready! And don't forget — you're starting school today!"
"Got it, Mom!" he called back, still shadowboxing in front of his mirror. His punches blurred through the air, the sound of his fists cutting through nothing satisfying him. I need more.
Jason finally grabbed a fresh black tee and some fitted jeans, his physique filling them out like a professional athlete. His chiseled features and defined jawline made him look older than 17 — almost predatory. He gave himself one last glance in the mirror, his cold, hungry gaze staring back. Focus. New school. Same grind.
---
Downstairs
The Carter family gathered around the breakfast table. David, Jason's father, was reading a fitness magazine while sipping his protein shake. Emily, his younger sister, was wolfing down scrambled eggs, clearly preparing for her morning workout.
"Big day today," David said, glancing up. "First day at the new school. You ready, champ?"
Jason smirked, wolfing down his breakfast. "Yeah. Just another place to dominate."
David chuckled, impressed by his son's confidence. "Just don't knock anyone out in gym class, alright?"
Jason laughed dryly. No promises.
Sophia smiled warmly. "And try to make some friends, okay? I know we just moved, but a fresh start could be good for you."
Jason nodded, his mind already half on the school and half on his next sparring match. But a part of him — the part altered by his wish — was itching for something else. Alex Dunphy. His soulmate. His destined partner.
And she doesn't even know it yet.
---
At School
Jason stepped through the gates of Westview High School. The campus was bustling — students moving in every direction, groups chatting, and teachers trying to corral their classes.
Immediately, eyes fell on him.
"Who's that?"
"Holy crap, look at his arms."
"He looks like he should be in college, not high school."
Jason didn't flinch. He liked the attention. His confidence radiated off him like a storm, his sheer physical presence making most of the guys uncomfortable and the girls subtly intrigued.
Then his gaze locked onto her.
Alex Dunphy.
She was walking with her sister, Haley, seemingly deep in conversation. Her sharp wit, her focused energy, and the subtle elegance she carried made Jason's chest tighten. There she is… my soulmate.
But she didn't even know him — yet.
"Hey," a voice interrupted his thoughts. A tall, athletic jock approached him, clearly sizing him up. "New guy?"
"Yeah," Jason answered flatly.
"I'm Tyler. Captain of the wrestling team. You play any sports?"
Jason smiled darkly. "Boxing."
Tyler scoffed. "Yeah? Any good?"
Jason's grin widened. "Undefeated."
Tyler laughed like it was a joke. "Alright, tough guy. Maybe you should come to practice one day. See how you handle some real athletes."
Jason's gaze hardened. "Maybe you should step in a ring. See how you handle me."
The tension was thick, and several students around them whispered. Jason didn't care. His mind was already miles ahead — picturing Tyler crumpled on the mat after a single shot to the liver.
Before the conversation could escalate, the first bell rang.
"See you around, tough guy," Tyler sneered, walking off.
Jason exhaled slowly, his blood still surging with adrenaline. I'm gonna hurt that guy someday.
---
First Period: English Class
Jason walked into his first class and scanned the room. His eyes immediately locked onto Alex, who was sitting near the window, absorbed in a book. Every fiber of him told him to approach — to sit next to her, to make that connection.
But he hesitated. Don't be weird. Play it cool.
He took the seat diagonally behind her, close enough to observe but not too close to seem like a stalker. His gaze burned into the back of her head. How the hell do I approach her?
"Alright, class. Welcome back from summer break," the teacher began. "We have a new student. Mr. Carter, would you introduce yourself?"
Jason internally groaned. Seriously?
He stood up, his imposing frame immediately making the class go quiet. "Uh… Jason Carter. Just moved here. I box." His voice was deep, controlled — oozing confidence.
"Boxing, huh?" the teacher noted. "Well, let's hope you fight as hard in class as you do in the ring."
A few students chuckled. Jason smirked but his eyes briefly flicked toward Alex.
She was looking at him.
And in that moment, something clicked. Her gaze lingered for a second longer than necessary — curiosity? Interest? Fate screaming at her subconscious? Jason didn't know, but his heart pounded. She's noticing me.
After class, he purposely slowed his steps as Alex gathered her things. When she turned to leave, Jason timed it perfectly.
"Hey," he said casually.
Alex paused, surprised. "Uh, hi?"
"I'm Jason," he said, keeping his tone relaxed but magnetic. "I just moved here."
Alex adjusted her glasses. "Yeah, I heard. The undefeated boxer, right?"
Jason chuckled, impressed she caught that. "Word travels fast."
"Westview's not exactly big," she smiled. "So… boxing, huh? Is it as brutal as it looks?"
Jason smirked, his gaze darkening slightly. "Depends. I like the brutality."
For a moment, Alex looked slightly taken aback, but then she chuckled nervously. "Well… remind me not to make you mad."
Jason leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a low, almost predatory tone. "You don't have to worry about that. I like you already."
Alex blinked, caught completely off guard. "…Uh, what?"
Jason internally cursed. Too fast, idiot. Dial it back.
"I mean — you seem cool," he quickly covered. "Maybe we could hang out sometime."
Alex hesitated, processing his intense energy. "…Yeah. Maybe."
As she walked off, Jason exhaled sharply. His hands were clenched. She felt it too. Their connection, their pull — it was undeniable.
And no matter what, Jason was going to make sure she became his.
His soulmate.
And if any guy tried to get in the way?
Well… they'd quickly learn that Jason Carter was not the man to cross.