Ayla's POV.
By the time Monday rolled around, it was like my body already knew what the week would bring. Every nerve buzzed, waiting for Rowan, even when he wasn’t near.
We were back at school after the short break, and I thought maybe...just maybe...being in crowded hallways and classrooms would give me space to breathe.
I was wrong.
Rowan didn’t believe in space.
The second he saw me at my locker that morning, he leaned against the one next to mine, arms crossed, jaw set like he owned the whole damn hallway.
Kids slowed down when they passed, stealing glances. Some whispered. Some looked away fast. Rowan Thornridge wasn’t just Alpha of Crimson Paw...he was the kind of guy people didn’t mess with.
“Morning, trouble,” he said, voice low, eyes locked on me like no one else existed.
