CHAPTER 70: LOVERS’ FIRST ARGUMENT.

Angela felt like a rat, small and unwanted, when she was pushed and the door slammed in her face. Her wolf howled inside her, filled with pain and rage. Mr. Slade had treated her like garbage, and he didn’t care how it made her feel.

"This is not going to end well," Alex muttered as he paced the hallway, rubbing his temples. He had no idea how to explain anything to Kaito once he came out of that office.

"Mr. Slade didn’t even let us talk. What do you think he’s telling the Alphas in there?" Stales asked, leaning tiredly against the wall. His heart sank when he saw Renn earlier. If only the teacher had allowed them to speak, maybe things wouldn’t have gotten this far.

"All this is my fault," Angela whispered, dragging her fingers through her hair in frustration. "I dragged you both into this mess. If I had just handled it on my own, I’d be the only one in trouble. Stales wouldn’t have to face Renn. Kaito wouldn’t come out and yell at you... really sorry."

The boys paused. Alex walked over to her first, his voice gentle but firm.

"Do you really think this is because of you?" he asked. "Angela, even if you hadn’t involved us, this would’ve still happened. This whole thing is bigger than you. Can’t you see? Someone’s clearly trying to ruin you. Anyone who tries to help you gets dragged in too."

"We wanted to help, Angel," Stales said softly, glancing at Alex, who nodded in agreement. "This isn’t about punishment or points anymore. This is about someone targeting you, and by extension, all of us. We don’t care about the consequences. We’re in this together. But now that our houses are involved, the stakes are higher. We could all lose points."

Alex looked serious now. "Mr. Slade has never liked Kaito or Taros. This is just going to make things worse between them. That’s what we’re worried about. It’s not your fault. It’s the fact that this ’Mr. Anonymous’ seems to have the upper hand. He knows too much."

Angela lowered her gaze. "He knows I’m a girl," she said quietly, wrapping her arms tightly around herself. Her chest throbbed—not just from the wrap, but from the ache deep in her heart.

"That’s just one of the things he knows," Stales said. He shook his head. "But we won’t let him win. We won’t let him smile at our downfall. Let’s stand tall and take whatever comes. We’re not backing down."

Angela looked at them, her eyes soft with emotion. She didn’t have a real family, but right now, she felt like she did. These boys...they were the brothers she had never known she needed. Who would have thought that anyone would stand by Angela, the daughter of a whore?

Just then, the door creaked open. Her heart jumped.

Kaito stepped out first. One look at his face made her chest tighten. He looked so disappointed... like he didn’t even need to speak for her to feel the weight of it. Did he really believe they harassed Evan?

But how could he not? The video looked so real.

"You are all coming with me," Kaito said and turned around without waiting for a reply.

Alex and Stales followed him without question. A moment later, Renn stepped out of the office and looked at her. With a slight nod, he gestured for her to come along.

"Do you want to stay behind and fight Mr. Slade?" he asked.

Angela quickly shook her head and followed them.

They walked in silence, their footsteps echoing down the hallway. When they reached the classroom area, Renn suddenly stopped. He turned to her, his voice low but serious.

"What really happened? Why is all this coming up now?"

Angela’s chest tightened. Her voice was sharp with anger when she turned to him.

"So you believe the video? You’ve already made up your mind that I bullied Evan?"

"Don’t push this on me, babe," Renn said, his brows pulled together. "I didn’t say that. But the video... how are you going to explain that?"

Angela felt her blood boil.

"You of all people have no right to question me about bullying," she snapped. "You bullied me. You hurt me. And now, because of one video, you’re ready to throw me under the bus?"

Renn sighed, tired of trying to reach her when she was this upset.

"I know I did similar things to you," he admitted. "But no one ever punished me for it, remember? No one could even question me."

"That’s because you’re an Alpha. You can get away with anything. No one dares to speak against you."

"Stop twisting my words," Renn said, his voice strained. "I feel terrible for what I did to you. I’m trying to be better. But I expected you to stay away from the Central House and everything that goes on there. I’m not saying you did what that video shows, but—"

"But you still doubt me," Angela cut in bitterly.

Before Renn could answer, Kaito turned from the front and called out.

"What are you two talking about?"

They hadn’t realized they’d fallen behind the group.

He didn’t wait for an answer. "Save your explanation for later, Angel."

Angela clenched her jaw and didn’t respond. Instead, she walked past Renn and caught up with the others. Alex met her with a small, forced smile, trying to reassure her that everything would be okay.

She wanted to believe him. He was always trying to protect her like a big brother.

However, she knew this was bigger than all of them.

**

Taros drove through the quiet streets of Mistvale, his mind heavy. He stopped in front of a shop with a bold sign that read: The Wolf’s Bar. Without wasting time, he stepped out of his car and walked in.

The place was dimly lit, with music humming low in the background. He took a seat at the far end, away from the crowd. As soon as he settled in, several werewolves turned to look at him.

He understood why.

People always stared. They always talked about how he looked. His skin was smooth and fair, almost glowing. His white hair shimmered like snow under sunlight. And those sharp blue eyes—like deep, icy waters—never failed to draw attention. His lips were soft and thin, and his jawline looked like it was carved with care.

He couldn’t blend in even if he tried. The women always wanted him, but his heart... it wanted only one person.

Angela.

Strange, wasn’t it? He wasn’t gay. At least, that’s what he always told himself. But when it came to her—Angel—he didn’t know what he felt anymore.

The door creaked open, snapping him out of his thoughts. A tall, slim girl stepped in. She wore high-waisted jeans and a black top that hugged her lightly. Her long red hair bounced gently as she walked.

He stood up the moment he saw her.

"Welcome, Hailey," he said, offering a warm handshake.

"Thank you, Taros," she replied and sat across from him. He signaled the bar attendant, and they placed their order. She leaned forward.

"I came as soon as I saw your message."

"Yeah. It’s about this." Taros reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, clear plastic bag. Inside it was a single bullet. "Hiro was shot two days ago. We still don’t know who did it. He won’t talk about it."

Hailey took the bag and studied the bullet closely. "It’s moon-etched."

"I know," Taros nodded. "That’s why I called you. I need you to trace it. Find out who made it. Which hunter used it."

"This could have come from anyone, Taros," she said quietly, turning the bag in her hand. "There are many hunters out there who use this kind of silver."

"I trust you," he said. "You’re the only one I can ask. And you’re Principal Valois’ younger sister. I know you have the connections."

Hailey placed the bag carefully inside her black purse and zipped it up.

"Alright. Give me a few days. I’ll look into it and let you know what I find."

"Thank you," Taros said, truly relieved.

As she stood to leave, he looked up at her again. "One more thing. Please don’t tell your sister about this."

Hailey paused, then nodded.

"If that’s what you want, I’ll keep it between us."