Hailey's POV
Los Angeles's forest was everything we’d hoped—towering trees arched above us, shielding us from the sun as a gentle breeze cooled the air. The bus doors swung open, and everyone flooded out, stretching and yawning. Even though excitement buzzed around, exhaustion from the jet lag weighed heavy on us.
I barely had a moment to breathe before Paxton appeared at my side, holding out a bottle of water and a handkerchief. “Here,” he offered with a gentle smile, dabbing my forehead despite my attempts to wave him off.
“I’m fine, really—” I started, but he just chuckled and continued.
I caught Dimitri’s gaze from across the clearing, his jaw tense, eyes hardening as he watched Paxton. I quickly looked away, pretending not to notice. Around us, students scattered, taking in the s
