To Hate A Wolf Lord ( Book One of Wolf Lord Saga #1)

My wolf growled as I forced myself out of bed.

She didn't like waking up early and neither did I. It was the only thing we agreed on apart from the fact that we both wanted revenge. I walked up to the closet and searched through the wardrobe. My eyes landed on a pretty yet modest peach gown. It was the perfect for school and for seducing the Wolf Lord. Grabbing it out of the wardrobe, I took it and went to the bathroom.

A few minutes later, I walked out, steam curling out of my body as I stood in front of the mirror. My eyes landed on the scar on my stomach. It had been three years since Adam’s betrayal yet it was as if it had happened just yesterday. He had abadoned me to die because he didn't want his secret exposed.

“Ms. Ross, breakfast is ready.”

I turned at the sound of the maid’s voice, pulling my thoughts away from the past. “I’ll be right there,” I said softly.

I took one last glance in the mirror before I dressed up. Forcing a smile onto my face, I stepped out.

The scent of fresh bread, eggs, and roasted meat greeted me as I walked down the marble staircase. The dining hall was massive, its ceiling high enough to make me feel small, and sunlight poured through the tall glass windows, catching on the polished silverware.

At the far end of the long dining table sat a boy.

He couldn’t have been more than four or five. His dark hair fell slightly over his brow, and his eyes sharp and stormy gray, just like Orion’s. He flickered up at me once before dropping back to his plate. He ate slowly without a word as if he was being forced to eat.

“You must be Leo,” I said softly, trying not to sound too eager.

He didn’t respond.

I smiled anyway and moved closer, pulling out a chair next to him. “I’ve heard a lot about you, Leo. Nice to meet you, I'm Avaline. But you can call me Aunt Ava.”

Still nothing.

The servants exchanged nervous glances. One of them quietly poured juice into my glass before hurrying away, leaving just the boy and me in the silent room.

I tried again. “You know, I’ve always liked kids who don’t talk too much. It shows how mature and mysterious they are.”

His fork paused mid-air. For a second, I thought he’d finally say something. Instead, he shrugged and went back to eating.

My wolf huffed in amusement.

He’s got claws, that one.

I ignored her smirk. “Do you always eat this quietly?” I asked, my tone light. “Or is this because I’m here?”

He shot me a quick, cold, and disinterested glance. “You talk a lot,” he muttered finally, his voice low but clear.

I bit back a laugh “And you don’t talk enough.”

He frowned and stabbed his eggs like they’d offended him.

Alright then. So much for making friends.

I leaned back in my chair, studying him. His small shoulders were tense, guarded, like someone who’d already learned not to trust easily. I recognized that look. I’d still wore it myself.

Still, I couldn’t let him win this silent war.

“Well,” I said lightly, reaching for my juice, “looks like I’m going to have my hands full with you, Leo.”

He didn’t reply, but I caught the faintest twitch at the corner of his mouth — not quite a smile, but not pure defiance

either.

That was something.

A challenge.

*****************************************

The Lunara’s academy gate stood tall as we arrived in front of it. Leo slid out of the car, his eyes hooded as he stood with his small backpack. I took a deep breath watching him. He seemed quite mature for his age.

My eyes darted to the surrounding around us. Nobody could see me with Leo. He was a new student and apart from it being one of the Wolf Lord's rules, the school didn't allow teachers having relationships with students outside school.

“You'll do just fine,” I whispered crouching down to fix his shoelace when Leo walked off.

A scoff escaped my lips as I straightened. “Stubborn little wolf,” I muttered under my breath.

The school grounds were alive with chatter, young wolves running past me, their laughter ringing through the courtyard. I smiled as they disappeared into their classes and I went into mine.

The walls of the class gleamed as sunlight spilled in. A dozen curious faces turned to me, children of different ranks, each scent unique, their eyes bright and full of questions.

“Good morning,” I greeted, forcing a warm smile. “Let’s settle down, shall we?”

They obeyed quickly, their small voices whispering to one another. For a moment, the room felt calm. Peaceful even.

But my wolf was unsettled because of Leo.

He wasn’t in my class. He was in the next class, the class for gifted young pups. The thought of him being alone and afraid on his first day stirred something in me. I fetched a new book and began reading when all of a sudden, a loud crash echoed through the walls.

My hand froze midair just as I was about to turn the page.

The loud sound of someone wailing followed. My instincts kicked in before reason did. I stepped out of my classroom, my wolf’s hearing sharpening as I followed the noise down the hall.

It was coming from Leo’s class.

A crowd had already gathered, parents murmuring in low tones. Pushing through them, I caught sight of Leo standing in the center of the room, his chest heaving, his little fists clenched tight. A smaller boy sat on the floor, crying, pointing at him.

“He pushed me!” the boy shouted, his voice trembling. “He’s mean! He’s violent!”

The parents around continued to talk, their hands pointing at Leo.

“I told you he’s trouble.”

“Poor thing, he must not have a mother.”

Leo stood rigid, his gray eyes burning with something fierce. He didn’t deny it. He didn’t speak. He just stared at the ground, silent as the crowd’s whispers tore him apart.

I took a step forward wrapping my arms around him when a voice rang out behind me.

“What's going on here? Jacob!”

My body froze as Adam rushed over to help the other boy up.

My hand trembled as the memories came crashing back.

What was he doing here?