Hunter’s POV
The moment I stepped into the hallway near the girls' locker room, I knew something was wrong.
It was quiet—too quiet. Not the usual chaotic chatter that bounced off the tiled walls. Just the sound of hushed voices, followed by a sharp laugh.
I should’ve turned around, given her space. But Jade hadn’t been answering my texts since the lake. I didn’t expect a reply, not yet. Still, the silence ate at me.
Then I heard her name.
“…Jade really thinks the Alpha’s changed for her?” a girl sneered, just loud enough for my wolf’s ears to pick up. “She’s still the Omega joke she’s always been. Mates don’t matter when your status is trash.”
More laughter.
Another voice chimed in—familiar. Samantha. “You think she’ll actually leave with that scholarship? Like the council would let
