The rest of the day is a game of silent glances, avoided conversations, and mundane small talk as Kylie and I go through the motions of class, aware that the guys are listening to every word but pretending not to care. Finally, when the last bell rings, I’m grabbing my books and ready to leave this tension behind when Stacey appears, heading straight for my locker.

With a scowl, she tries to slam it shut, but I catch it before she can. I’m done letting her walk all over me. I hold her gaze as I keep my locker open, standing my ground. She lets out a surprised squeak but quickly tries to regain her composure.

"Whatever you did to piss off our future Alphas, you need to fix it now!” she hisses, her face twisted with irritation. “They’ve been yelling at people all day—at me, no less! Your childish games are making things difficult for the rest of us. Apologize, grovel, whatever it takes. Just fix it."

I close my locker with deliberate calm. “I don’t see how my relationship with them is any of your business,” I reply coolly. “And whatever got you yelled at, that’s on you, not me.”

Turning away, I walk off with Kylie close behind. I can practically hear Stacey’s sharp intake of breath before she stomps after us.

“How dare you turn your back on your future Luna!” she shrieks, grabbing my shoulder. But before I can respond, a voice booms from down the hall.

“TAKE YOUR HANDS OFF HER!”

Leo’s voice rings through the hall, cutting the air like a blade.

Kylie mutters under her breath, “And could you stop talking in third person? It’s weird.”

Stacey either doesn’t hear or doesn’t care, but she doesn’t release my shoulder. I fight the urge to rip her fingers off me, settling for a glare.

She plasters a fake smile on her face and bats her lashes at Leo. “I was just reminding Selene here to show some respect to her future Luna,” she purrs, her voice dripping with false innocence. “I mean, you all know she’s a distraction, constantly causing trouble. Someone should rein her in.”

The guys look at me, then at Stacey, their expressions hard to read. None of them say a word. They’re not defending me, but they’re not agreeing with her either. That silence hurts more than if they’d sided with her. Stacey takes their lack of reaction as validation, a smug smile spreading across her face.

I refuse to give her the satisfaction of a reaction. “Come on, Kylie. We’re going to be late to meet Delta Kyle.”

I walk off without a backward glance, my heart heavy. “Are we walking together or not?” I throw over my shoulder, more for the guys than Stacey.

Before anyone can respond, Stacey’s voice trails after us, sickly sweet. “So, boys, should Marnie, Jeanie, and I meet you at the pack house on Saturday for the ball, or are you going to pick us up? Daddy can arrange a car for us, of course.”

I roll my eyes. The guys had insisted they’d shut Stacey down, but clearly, whatever they said wasn’t sinking in. Either they needed to stop being diplomatic, or they needed to stop promising what they couldn’t deliver.

At the training grounds, we join the rest of our peers as Delta Kyle steps forward, commanding attention.

“We’re pairing you with a patrol warrior. This will give our warriors much-needed rest and you all a chance to learn tracking and surveillance skills. Those of you still in school may need to arrive late or leave early, but only if your studies are in good standing. Patrol duty is no excuse to slack off. Your homework and classwork are still expected on time.”

He gives a pointed look, and I see some of the younger wolves swallow hard. As he continues, the guys saunter into the clearing, looking somehow even more irritated than earlier. They murmur something to Delta Kyle and then stalk off again without so much as a glance in my direction.

“Just go with them, Kylie,” I say softly, trying to keep the defeat out of my voice. “You don’t deserve to be dragged into this mess. I’ll ask Delta Kyle to take me home.”

But she shakes her head. “No way. I’m not leaving you. They’d never let me hear the end of it. I’ll catch up with Devin later, I promise.”

I sigh, too tired to argue anymore. “Fine, let’s just get our assignments.”

We line up for our schedules, exchanging a few lighthearted jabs to mask the heaviness of the day. “You’re up for the dawn shift?” she asks, raising her brow. “Good luck with that.”

“It’s not so bad. Besides, maybe some time away from the guys will do me good,” I say, keeping my voice even.

Her expression softens. “Are you sure? I mean, they’re still family, despite everything.”

“Family is great in theory,” I reply, forcing a smile. “But sometimes, a little distance is what you need.”

She hesitates. “So, are you still coming to the ball this weekend?”

“I’ll go,” I assure her. “For you. I promise I’ll play nice. Just… don’t ask me to fake smiles if they start something.”

Kylie grins, delighted. “Perfect! And I get to do your hair and makeup.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “Whatever makes you happy, Kylie.”

After walking Kylie back to the pack house, I head to my father’s house. I don’t want to stay here, but I need time alone. I head to my room and settle into the familiar rhythm of my routine—homework, shower, reading.

Just as I’m about to lie down, a knock echoes from the hallway.

“Selene?” It’s Leo. “I brought you something to eat. I know you didn’t have lunch, and I… well, I figured you might be hungry.”

Silence lingers as I stare at the door, unsure how to respond. I hear him sigh. “I’ll leave it here. I have to run patrol tonight, so… I’ll see you tomorrow.”

His footsteps retreat, but not before I hear him murmur, “I love you, Selene. I hope you know that.”

The words hang in the air long after he’s gone, tugging at something deep within me. But I shake it off, determined to focus on what lies ahead. They may love me, but sometimes, love just isn’t enough.