His new stepsister His biggest threat (Claire and Elijah) novel Chapter 174

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**Chapter 174**

**Claire’s POV**

As we stepped into the next classroom, I felt Elijah’s hand lightly graze mine, a fleeting touch that sent a spark through me, igniting my wolf instincts before my mind could fully comprehend it. It was subtle, almost intentional, and I chose to dismiss it, redirecting my focus to organizing my supplies while stealing glances at him.

“So,” he said, his voice low as he leaned in just enough to catch a glimpse of my canvas, “the teacher seems to be giving Lila everything she desires, doesn’t she?”

I didn’t need to respond verbally; the scene was clear. Lila’s space by the window radiated an unspoken privilege, her presence commanding attention without her uttering a single word. “Priority time, private critiques, first dibs on materials. It’s all so obvious,” I replied, lowering my voice conspiratorially. “And she’s fully aware of the game she’s playing.”

Elijah’s amber eyes locked onto mine, his gaze steady and probing. “Does it bother you?”

“Absolutely,” I confessed, the words spilling out with an honesty I didn’t bother to mask. “But not in the way you might think.”

“Enlighten me,” he urged, a teasing lilt in his tone that hinted at genuine curiosity.

“It bothers me because it’s all so transparent, so performative. She’s drawing attention before even picking up a brush. But I’m not here to fight for the spotlight — I’m here to navigate the currents beneath the surface.”

He smirked, a glimmer of amusement playing on his lips. “Ah, so you’re the strategist, not the brawler.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t suppress a small smile. “Sometimes, knowing when to hold back is far more beneficial than diving headfirst into chaos.”

Just then, the teacher distributed our new assignment: a series focused on personal strength and vulnerability. I quickly jotted down a rough outline in my notebook, letting the pencil glide smoothly over the page as I immersed myself in thought. Elijah watched, leaning in close enough that our shoulders brushed once more, sending a thrill through me.

“I almost forgot,” he said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper meant only for my ears, “the new hockey season kicks off this weekend.”

I blinked, taken aback. “Hockey?”

“Yes. I should have mentioned it sooner, but I’d really love it if you could come watch the first game.” His tone was soft, imbued with a quiet expectation that made my heart race.

Without a second thought, I nodded, warmth flooding my chest. “Of course. I wouldn’t dream of missing it.”

A slow smile spread across his face, the corners of his eyes crinkling with delight. “Great. That settles it, then.”

I tucked my notebook away, a flutter of excitement stirring within me that I chose not to analyze. Elijah turned his attention back to his materials, but the unspoken satisfaction hung in the air between us, a delicate thread connecting our thoughts.

Jessica suddenly appeared at my side, bouncing slightly on her heels, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “So… hockey, huh? I didn’t think he could draw more attention than Lila, but apparently, the ice has other plans.”

I chuckled softly, shaking my head. “You’re going to make me regret admitting I’m going, aren’t you?”

“You already said yes!” she whispered, her tone conspiratorial. “There’s no backing out now. This is war!”

As class drew to a close, the room buzzed with a low hum of energy. Everyone was focused, attempting to blend skill with awareness, but I couldn’t help but notice subtle cracks appearing in Lila’s aura. They weren’t enough to exploit just yet, but they were there, waiting.

Once we exited the classroom, Elijah fell into step beside me again, his voice low and serious. “We keep track, Claire,” he murmured. “Not just of her work, but how everyone else responds to it. That’s where our advantage lies.”