The morning sun over the Emerald Valley district was golden and deceptive, masking the cold steel of the rivalry simmering beneath the surface. For Noah and Ava, however, the day was defined by the simple, high-stakes drama of the morning school drop-off at the St. Jude Academy for the Gifted.
It was the most prestigious academy in the region, a place where the children of the elite—wolves and humans alike—were groomed for power.
Bella pulled her car up to the curb, her movements deliberate and calm. She wasn't just a mother here; she was a billionaire, a presence that demanded immediate, silent respect.
"Remember," Bella said, kneeling to adjust Noah’s collar. His hair was slicked back, his expression as serious as a diplomat’s. "You don't apologize for taking space. You belong in thos
