Lyra’s Pov…
A foul stench hit Ethan like a punch to the gut.
"Dirty blood," he blurted out.
The scent was a disturbing mix of his mate’s and something else—human hybrid. His entire body recoiled.
Was the scent wrong? Tainted?
His wolf snarled, torn between instinct and revulsion.
My expression shifted from shock to confusion, then to something darker. Was it fear? Or recognition?
I can’t let my guard down now.
Before the unfamiliar student could speak, I stood up quickly, taking a step back from him. My scent was now muddled with something bitter.
"Who are you?" he demanded in a low voice.
Ethan’s jaw clenched. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. Mates were sacred. Pure. But the stench was clinging to her...
The words echoed in his mind: I’m mated to a dirty blood.
"New stud
