Chapter 8

Tori's POV:

I flipped the café sign to "Closed" and double-checked the register one last time.

My first day at Moonlight Shadow had gone smoothly enough, though my muscles ached from the constant movement. Still, physical exhaustion was easier to handle than the mental strain of navigating my new reality as an Omega fresh out of detention.

After ensuring all the lights were off and the security system was armed, I slung my backpack over my shoulder and stepped out into the crisp night air.

The journey home was uneventful, despite the occasional sensation of unseen eyes following my movements.

To my surprise, lights still blazed from the windows of the main house. I'd expected everyone to be in their rooms by now. As I approached the front door, it swung open, spilling warm light onto the porch.

Mia stepped out, followed by a tall, handsome young man I didn't recognize. They were laughing about something, their conversation cutting off abruptly when they noticed me.

"Oh," Mia's smile disappeared. "You're back."

I nodded politely, preparing to walk past them without engagement.

"Wait," the young man said, looking me up and down. "You must be Tori."

I stopped, maintaining a careful distance. He was well-dressed in designer clothes, with the confident posture of someone born into privilege. But I'm sure I don't know him.

"Mia," he continued, his eyes never leaving mine, "this is your stepmother's Omega daughter? She's much prettier than you described."

Mia's face flushed with poorly concealed jealousy. "Yes, that's her."

Hunter stepped forward, extending his hand. "Hunter Cole. It's a pleasure to meet you."

I nodded but didn't take his hand. "Excuse me, I need to get inside."

"What's the rush?" His smile widened. "We were just about to take a walk in the garden. Would you like to join us?"

"No, thank you," I replied, keeping my voice neutral.

I could feel Mia's glare burning into the side of my face as Hunter's attention remained fixed on me.

"Another time, then," he said, his tone making it clear he expected there would be another time.

I didn't respond, simply slipping past them into the house.

Ten minutes later, as I was hanging my one decent outfit to dry in the bathroom connected to my small bedroom, I heard the front door slam. Heavy footsteps stormed up the stairs, and my door flew open without warning.

Mia stood there, her eyes blazing. "What's the hell wrong with you?"

I continued hanging my damp clothes, not bothering to look at her. "What was what?"

"Don't play dumb," she hissed. "You deliberately came home right when you knew Hunter would be here."

I turned to face her, keeping my expression calm. "I finished work and came home. That's all."

"Liar!" Mia stepped into my room uninvited. "You knew Hunter would be at our house tonight, and you deliberately timed your arrival perfectly to run into him."

The accusation was so ridiculous I almost laughed. "How would I know that?"

"You're trying to steal him from me," she continued as if I hadn't spoken. "Just like you tried to steal Ethan from Fiona."

That stung, but I refused to show it. "I have no interest in Hunter Cole or any other wolf. Now, please leave my room."

"Stay away from him," Mia warned, her finger pointed at my face. "And this is my home. You may have fooled my father, but I know what you really are—a criminal Omega who doesn't know her place."

After she stormed out, I sat heavily on my bed, exhaustion washing over me. The irony wasn't lost on me—accused of theft twice in one day, first a bracelet and now someone's affection. Neither of which I wanted.

Lying back on the thin mattress, I stared at the ceiling, remembering Mrs. Blake had mentioned that Moonridge offered free dormitory accommodations for students who needed them. I needed to look into that option sooner rather than later. Living in the Price house was becoming unbearable, with Mia finding new ways to harass me every other day.

At least Hannah hadn't insisted I attend Mia's prestigious academy. Though Moonridge High's resources couldn't compare to the elite school where Mia strutted around like she owned the place, I was grateful for the reprieve.

As I closed my eyes, trying to will myself to sleep, an unexpected image appeared in my mind—Lucas Grayson stepping between me and danger at the café. Those piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through me, the commanding presence that made even aggressive wolves cower.

I was surprised that someone of his status would bother defending an Omega like me. Most Alphas wouldn't spare a second glance at our troubles.

The disparity between wolves was truly vast—some soared high above, untouched by the dirt of the world, while others like me remained trapped in the mud below, unable to break free no matter how hard we struggled.

Sunday afternoon, I collected my first week's pay from Greg at the café.

I immediately planned how to use it—two sets of clean clothes to rotate through the week would be my first purchase. And just as importantly, I needed to repay Mrs. Blake for the moonstone she'd lent me.

I tucked the moonstone carefully into my inner pocket and headed for the bus stop. My destination was Twilight Market on the outskirts of Moonhaven—a place where lower-income wolves could find affordable goods. The prices at Howling Plaza in the city center were far beyond my means.

After purchasing two simple outfits and basic toiletries at Twilight Market. I wanted to return the moonstone Mrs. Blake'd lent me and ask about dormitory options.

As I approached her office, my hand raised to knock, when heated voices from inside made me freeze.

"—Sullivan girl has no place here," a male voice spat. "You really scraped the bottom of the barrel with this one, Sarah."

"Every student deserves an education, White," Mrs. Blake replied firmly.

"She's an ex-convict! Do you know what that could do to our school's reputation? One bad apple spoils the bunch."

"That's enough, Catherine," Mrs. Blake said firmly. "The principal agreed to accept her. Tori is a student in my class now, and you have no right to judge her like this."

Catherine White—I recognized the name as the teacher of Class 19, the honors class.

"No wonder your students perform so poorly," Catherine sneered. "When their teacher insists on collecting garbage for her classroom, you're doing them a disservice with your bleeding heart, Sarah. Mark my words—you'll regret this decision."

I knocked firmly on the door, deliberately loud enough to interrupt their argument.

The voices inside fell silent immediately. After a moment, Mrs. Blake called out, "Come in."