His new stepsister His biggest threat (Claire and Elijah) novel Chapter 196

Chapter 196

Chapter 196

Claire’s POV

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The showcase wrapped up just after nine, the gym lights coming up fully as the last guests trickled out.

I helped Jessica pack away the projectors while Mom and Ethan hatted with a few teachers near the refreshment table.

My body felt light, almost floaty from the adrenaline and relief of the night. Everything had gone better than I could have hoped.

When the space was finally cleared, Mom clapped her hands together with that bright, excited smile she got when plans were forming. “That’s it. We’re celebrating properly. No arguments. There’s that new place downtown and it’s family-style, big tables, amazing pasta. We’re going.”

Ethan grinned. “I’m driving. Everyone pile in.”

Jessica raised an eyebrow at me. “Am I invited to this family celebration, or…?”

“You’re basically family,” Mom said without hesitation, looping an arm around her shoulders. “Get in the car.”

Elijah caught my eye across the room, his smile soft and private. He mouthed, you deserve this.

The restaurant was warm and loud in the best way-red checkered tablecloths, candles in chianti bottles, the smell of garlic and fresh bread everywhere.

We got a big round table in the corner. Bottles of sparkling water and sodas appeared first, then baskets of breadsticks that disappeared almost instantly.

Mom raised her glass. “To Claire, for an incredible showcase. And to all of you for surviving a very long day.”

We clinked glasses, laughing when Jessica’s elbow knocked over the parmesan shaker.

Conversation flowed easily. Ethan asked Jessica about her college applications-she was aiming for a design program in Chicago and had just heard back from her choice.

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Mom talked about baby names again, floating ideas like “Luna” and “Atlas,” which made Elijah choke on his water.

“Absolutely not Atlas,” he said, wiping his mouth. “Kid’s gonna get bullied.”

“Strong name,” Ethan defended, grinning.

I kicked Elijah lightly under the table. He caught my ankle between his, holding it there, warm and steady.

Talk turned to the rest of the school year, Finals were looming, en spring break, then graduation stuff starting to creep in.

Jessica groaned about portfolio deadlines. I mentioned the last few relay practices, just for fun now that the season was over.

Then Elijah leaned back in his chair, stretching his arms along the back of the booth, “Speaking of seasons,” he said, “we’ve got the rivalry game next Friday. Away against Ridgeview.”

Mom’s eyebrows went up. “The ones you’ve been playing since you were freshmen?”

“The very same,” he said, voice dry. “They’re still the same pack arrogant assholes they’ve always been.”

Jessica leaned forward, eyes bright. “Wait, fill me in. Claire’s new all this hockey drama.”

I shrugged. “I only know they hate you guys.”

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Chapter 196

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“Hate is putting it mildly,” Elijah said. “Their captain, Mason Reel, has had it out for me since sophomore year when I checked him clean into the boards and he cried about it for weeks. Their whole team thinks they’re untouchable because their pack’s old money and runs half the town up there. They play dirty-cheap shots after whistles, talking constant trash, trying to get in your head.”

Ethan nodded. “I remember last year’s game. They slashed you pretty good.”

Elijah rolled his shoulder absently, like he could still feel it. “Yeal. Coach has us watching film all week. We’re not letting them pull the same crap this time.”

Jessica whistled. “Sounds intense.”

“It will be,” he said, glancing at me. “But we’re ready.”

The conversation drifted after that-Mom telling an embarrassing story about Ethan trying to assemble the crib and getting stuck inside it, Jessica and I laughing until our sides hurt.

By the time dessert came-tiramisu and cannoli to share-everyone was relaxed, full, and a little sleepy.

We got home just before eleven. The house felt quiet and welcoming after the busy day.

Everyone said goodnight in the hallway, moving slowly like we were all carrying the weight of exhaustion.

I showered first, letting the hot water ease the last tension from my shoulders.

When I came out in soft shorts and an oversized t-shirt, my bedroom door was cracked open.

Elijah slipped in a minute later, fresh from his own shower, hair lamp and curling at the ends, wearing gray sweatpants and nothing else.

He closed the door softly and leaned back against it, just looking at me with that quiet intensity that always made my heart skip.

“Come here,” he said, voice low.

I crossed the room and stepped into his arms. He pulled me close, burying his face in my hair, breathing me in like he’d been waiting all day for this.

“You were amazing tonight,” he murmured against my neck. “Your speech… God, Claire. It felt like you were saying everything we’ve been holding inside.”

I tilted my head back to look at him. “It was for you. All of it.”

His eyes darkened, gold flickering at the edges. He kissed me slow at first, lips warm and gentle, hands sliding up my back under the shirt. But the gentleness didn’t last.

The kiss turned deeper, hungrier, all the pent-up emotion from the fight, the scare, the triumph of the night pouring out.

He backed me toward the bed until my knees hit the edge, and we sank down together.

His mouth moved to my jaw, my throat, lingering at the spot where my pulse beat fast. I felt his teeth graze the skin there, a low growl rumbling in his chest as his wolf surged forward.

“Elijah,” I breathed, fingers threading through his hair.

He pressed closer, body heavy and perfect over mine, lips brushing that sensitive place again. The growl deepened, possessive and raw. His teeth scraped harder-not breaking skin, but close. So close.

My wolf rose to meet him, arching into the touch, wanting it just as badly. Heat flooded me, dizzying and overwhelming.

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Chapter 196

But then reality cut through the haze.

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