The week had been long and heavy. Between the persistent rumors at school, Victoria’s lingering jabs before her temporary departure, and the growing unease from the anonymous notes, Claire felt like she was carrying an invisible weight on her shoulders. Even with Xander’s constant support and the pack’s protectiveness, the external pressure was starting to wear on her.
That Friday afternoon, Xander picked her up from school as usual, but instead of driving her straight home or to the mansion, he took a familiar route toward the marina.
“Where are we going?” Claire asked, glancing at him curiously. He had that soft, secretive smile on his face — the one that always made her heart flutter.
“You’ll see,” he replied, squeezing her hand. “I think we both need a night away from everything.”
