His new stepsister His biggest threat (Claire and Elijah) novel Chapter 175

Chapter 175

Claire’s POV

I shoved my notebook into my bag and made a beeline for the bathroom, brushing past students milling in the hall.

My wolf was still alert, buzzing with residual tension from the cafeteria drama. Even after Mara’s outburst, there was no escaping the ripple Lila left in every room we entered.

I ducked into a stall, locked the door, and let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. For a moment, I just let the silence exist, let my mind wander away from art, strategy, and most of all, Elijah.

The knock on the door startled me.

“Claire?” Audrey’s voice was smooth, too smooth, the kind of voice that always made my wolf bristle. I didn’t answer.

“I know you’re in there,” she said, the confidence dripping from every word. “And I’m asking nicely. Just a few tips. You know… about getting close to Elijah. I heard about the new hockey season.”

I laughed softly, letting it float through the small bathroom. “Tips?” I said, leaning against the door, arms crossed. “You really think I hand out strategies for anyone who asks?”

Audrey’s pause was audible, sharp. “I… I just thought—”

“That maybe I’d hand you the key to his attention like some trophy?” I finished for her. My tone was calm, quiet, but carried the weight of absolute dominance. “I don’t do that. And you won’t either. Not unless you earn it.”

“I… what?” Her voice cracked slightly, barely masked fury bubbling under the surface. “You’re… you’re bold, you know that?”

I smirked faintly. “Bold doesn’t begin to cover it. Confidence, observation, timing… that’s what gets you anywhere. Not whining or scheming.”

“I… I can’t believe you-”

“You can believe it,” I interrupted, stepping out from behind the stall slightly, letting my presence fill the space. “Because here’s the thing, Audrey: nobody gets close to Elijah by sneaking, by begging, or by pretending they’re more clever than they are. They get close by being unshakable, by being present in ways that matter. That’s it.”

There was a silence heavy enough to sink into, and I let it stretch. My wolf stirred, sensing the shock and irritation radiating off her. She hadn’t expected that level of authority.

“You… you’re impossible,” Audrey hissed finally, voice tight, jealous, incredulous. “Just… impossible.”

I tilted my head slightly. “I’m not impossible. I just exist in ways you can’t copy. You’ll have to figure out your own.”

And with that, I pushed past her, letting the stall door click behind me and walking back to class with deliberate composure.

Every step reminded me that some battles weren’t worth fighting directly, but their tension still needed acknowledgment.

Class moved smoothly after that, almost lazily so, as if the rest of the students hadn’t noticed anything extraordinary had just happened. I sketched quietly, my hand moving with deliberate precision, while the teacher spoke about composition. and the emotional weight of color.

Elijah leaned slightly toward me across the table, whispering just enough for me to hear. “I heard what happened in the stall, and I’m beyond amused. Audrey’s… spirited, isn’t she?”

I glanced at him, eyebrow arched. “She’s trying. That’s all. The rest is up to her.”

18:35 Thu, Dec 18

Chapter 175

His smirk tugged at my lips. “I have no doubt she’ll find out soon enough that you’re… hard to read.”

“Good,” I said softly, letting my words carry weight without needing to explain. “Let her figure it out. Some lessons are best learned the hard way.”

He chuckled under his breath, then glanced at his notebook. “Whatever you do, don’t forget about my game on Saturday.”

I grinned immediately. “Of course I’ll be there. Who wouldn’t want to see you play?”

His amber eyes softened for a moment, amusement and something else mingling there. “Good. I’m counting on it.”

The bell rang before I could respond further, and we packed up our things. Classmates shuffled out, oblivious to the subtle victories and tiny strategies happening at every turn.

Walking home with Elijah and Jessica, the conversation naturally shifted to hockey.

“So,” Jessica said, falling into step beside me, “he’s the captain now, right? He’s been for a while, I’m just surprised he retained it for this long.”

“Yeah,” I replied, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “He’s been working for it all season.”

“And you’re actually going to cheer for him?” she asked, eyebrows high.

“Of course,” I said without hesitation. “Have you seen him on the ice? It’s impossible not to watch.”

Jessica laughed. “I feel like I’m walking into another universe where Claire actually has a soft spot.”

I rolled my eyes, grinning. “I have soft spots. I just don’t advertise them.”

Elijah caught my glance, leaning slightly closer. “You make it sound like a secret weapon.”

“Maybe it is,” I said lightly. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

By the time we reached home, the savory smell of dinner – and the unmistakable intensity of my mother in the kitchen – greeted us.

“Claire! Elijah! You’re just in time!” she said, spinning from the stove with a bright smile. “I’m making your favorite braised chicken with rosemary and garlic. It’ll take an hour, but the aroma will be worth it!”

I couldn’t help teasing her. “Mom, it smells amazing already. Are you trying to overwhelm us before we even sit down?”

She laughed, eyes sparkling. “Of course! A proper kitchen attack is essential. You should feel the heat of anticipation.”

Elijah chuckled quietly beside me, shaking his head. “She doesn’t need much of an audience for that, you know.”

Jessica wandered over, sniffing the air like a curious wolf. “I don’t know if I can handle this. Claire, your family is too much

sometimes.”

I smirked. “You just wait until dessert.”

Then, the front door opened, and heavy footsteps announced Ethan’s arrival, flanked by guards, the familiar aura of Alpha authority radiating from him. The house seemed to tense instinctively under his presence.

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