**(Elliot's Perspective)**

The after-school crowd ebbed away like a retreating tide. I intercepted Kayden Black just as he was heading towards his obnoxious Jeep in the parking lot.

"Black," my voice was as cold as a frozen lake. "You've crossed a line."

He turned, that infuriating, Alpha-in-training arrogance plastered on his face. "Oh? Which line, *Lord* Windsor?"

"Shouting 'Fated Mate' in front of a human girl?" I took a step closer, lowering my voice so only he could hear. "Trying to get us on the front page? Or do you just get a kick out of terrifying her with your kind's… primitive instincts?"

He snorted, his blue eyes blazing with defiance. "Save it, Windsor. You're the one who should stay away. You and your cold, coffin-dwelling kind." He leaned in, his voice dripping with malicious insinuation. "Tell me, have you developed an… *unwholesome* interest in such a… vibrant little thing? Like she's a gourmet meal?"

My nails dug into my palms, a mix of irritation at his accurate guess and disgust at his crudeness surging through me. "At least I understand restraint and respect. I don't go around pissing on everything to mark my territory like a beast."

We stood glaring at each other, the air thick with animosity. Finally, he spat on the ground, turned on his heel, and stalked off towards the pine-scented, wild forests on the edge of town that belonged to his pack. I turned in the opposite direction, heading towards the ancient, silent family estate on the hill where I could find some calm. We parted on distinctly bad terms.

**(Kayden's Perspective)**

**Damn that bloodsucker!** What does he know? He can't feel that certainty, that feeling of your soul being set on fire! A Fated Mate is a Fated Mate! Why hide it? Skulking in the shadows like his vampire kin? That's not my style.

I drove way too fast to the pack lodge. The scent of pine soothed me, but only a little. My mind kept replaying the way Elliot Windsor looked at Leah—it wasn't the look you give food. Not entirely. **That's so much worse.**

**(Leah's Perspective)**

The atmosphere at home felt unusual. My stepfather—the man who usually only cared about his lumber business and treated me like part of the furniture—was actually waiting for me by the door to his study. A room I was never allowed to enter.

"Leah. In here." His voice held no warmth.

I stepped in nervously. The room smelled of cigar smoke and old leather.

"There are rumors at school," he said from behind his large desk, drumming his fingers on the wood. "About you and the Black boy. And the Windsor one. Explain."

My heart leaped into my throat. "It's nothing," I said, trying to keep my voice level. "There's nothing going on with either of them."

He stared at me for a few seconds, his gaze seeming to see right through me, sending a chill down my spine. Finally, he waved a hand dismissively. "Go to your room. Be home early tomorrow night. Family dinner. Don't be late."

I escaped to my room, shutting the door and leaning against it with a long, relieved sigh. Family dinner? Now that was a rarity.

I collapsed onto my bed, hugging my slightly worn teddy bear, my mind a chaotic mess.

**Kayden Black.** He used to be my unreachable dream—sunny, handsome, like a blazing fire. But he was too intense, too aggressive. And his rabid ex-girlfriend was an absolute nightmare.

**Elliot Windsor.** He was elegant, clever. We connected on a deeper level. With him, I felt seen, understood, not like an invisible shadow.

The scales were quietly, undeniably, tipping in Elliot's direction. He made me feel safe.