The hallway buzzed with the usual noise of students rushing to class, conversations blending into an indistinct hum. Tristan moved through the crowd, his thoughts drifting aimlessly, until he caught sight of someone that made him halt.
Valeria.
She stood near the corner of the hallway, her raven-black hair cascading over her shoulders like a silky curtain, talking with Lucien. The tall vampire leaned against the wall with that ever-present smirk plastered on his face, his eyes locked onto Valeria’s with an intensity that made Tristan’s blood simmer.
Tristan narrowed his eyes and changed direction, walking purposefully toward them. The moment Lucien saw him, the vampire’s lips curved upward.
“Well, well,” Lucien murmured, straightening from the wall. “If it isn’t the mutt.”
“Lucien,” Tristan greeted curtly.
Lucien merely smirked, casting a sidelong glance at Valeria. “Catch you later, darling.”
With that, he strolled away without another word, leaving a trail of tension behind him.
Valeria’s eyes met Tristan’s for a split second before she gave him an icy once-over. Then, without a word, she turned to leave.
“Wait,” Tristan said, stepping into her path.
She exhaled sharply, her face unreadable. Then she dipped her hand into her pocket, pulled out a sleek black phone, and shoved it at him.
He looked down.
The screen showed a photo of him and Valeria. The kiss. The moment that had turned his entire world on its head.
Tristan’s jaw dropped. “Where did you get this?”
Valeria arched a brow. “Seriously?”
He looked up at her, confused.
“Can you leave me the hell alone now, werewolf boy?” she spat and brushed past him.
Tristan stood frozen for a heartbeat, then ran a frustrated hand through his hair. No. No way. He needed answers.
He turned on his heel and darted after Lucien.
Lucien had just rounded the corner when Tristan caught up and blocked his path.
“You!” Tristan growled. “Did you see who took that picture?”
Lucien stopped, tilting his head slightly. “What if I did?”
Tristan took a step closer. “Tell me.”
Lucien’s eyes gleamed. “And if I don’t?”
Tristan’s fists clenched. He could feel the heat rising in his chest, the beast within clawing for release.
Lucien chuckled. “What are you going to do, pup? Shift and attack me right here in school?”
“I’m not looking for a fight.”
“Of course not. Because you’d lose.”
Tristan narrowed his eyes, as realization dawned on him. “You took the picture, right? Take the picture down.”
Lucien shrugged lazily. “Or else what?”
“Don’t test me.”
Lucien leaned in slightly, his voice dropping. “You really think Valeria would choose you? You? A werewolf?”
Tristan said nothing.
Lucien continued, “This little fantasy you have, her being your mate, it’s pathetic.”
“She is my mate.”
Lucien laughed. “You keep telling yourself that. But here’s the truth: the vampire world is bigger than your little pack drama. She and I, we come from two of the most powerful vampire clans. Our union? It’s been anticipated for years.”
Tristan’s brow furrowed. “So you’re using her to strengthen your clan?”
Lucien’s smile turned sharp. “Don’t twist it. She knows what’s expected of her. She’ll come around. She has no choice.”
“You’re manipulating her.”
Lucien looked amused. “I’m offering her what she needs, power, stability, status. What do you have to offer, werewolf boy? A cabin in the woods?”
“You don’t love her.”
“And you do?”
Tristan’s silence was answer enough.
Lucien chuckled again. “Listen, pup. This rivalry between our kinds? It’s not ending anytime soon. And it’s not just about us, it’s about blood, history, and politics. You should know that.”
“I do,” Tristan said. “But I also know that she deserves the truth. Not some royal arrangement dressed as love.”
Lucien stepped closer, nose nearly touching Tristan’s. “You don’t belong in her world. No matter how many times you tell yourself otherwise.”
Tristan stared him down. “Maybe not. But that won’t stop me from fighting for her.”
Lucien raised a brow, clearly entertained. “You’re brave. Or stupid. Maybe both.”
He backed away, brushing invisible lint from his shirt. “Anyway. I’m done with this little chat. Enjoy your heartbreak.”
He moved past Tristan with a smirk.
Tristan stood rooted to the spot, his mind racing. Lucien’s words rang in his ears, but amidst the anger and frustration, an idea began to take shape.
His eyes lit up. He turned and bolted for class.