His new stepsister His biggest threat (Claire and Elijah) novel Chapter 213

Chapter 213

Chapter 213

Claire’s POV

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The negotiation for Elijah’s “half-day” return to school was more intense than most pack summits.

It involved three different doctors, a very stern lecture from Ethan, and a promise from me that I would personally drag Elijah home if he so much as looked at a hockey stick.

“I feel like a toddler being dropped off at daycare,” Elijah grumbled as we pulled into the school parking lot the next morning.

He was out of the neck brace-mostly. The doctor had cleared him to go without it for four hours a day, provided he didn’t do anything strenuous.

He was currently wearing a high-collared hoodie to hide the lingering yellow-green bruises along his jawline.

“Toddlers don’t usually have six-pack abs and a death glare that can stop a heart,” I said, putting the car in park. “You’ll be fine. Just… stay low. No captain speeches. No locker room drama

“I make no promises about the drama,” he muttered, but he reached across the console and squeezed my hand. “Thanks for driving, Claire. I know this isn’t exactly how you wanted to spend your morning.”

“I’d rather drive you than have you try to bike here in a neck brace again,” I teased.

The moment he stepped out of the car, the atmosphere on campus shifted. It was like a ripple in a pond. Heads turned, whispers started, and within thirty seconds, Felix had appeared out of nowhere to flank him like a royal guard.

“The King returns,” Felix announced, grinning widely. “You look slightly less like a car crash victim today, Hale. It’s a good look for you.”

“Shut up, Felix,” Elijah said, but I saw the small, relieved smile tugging at his lips. He needed this. He needed to be back in the world, even if it was just for a few hours.

I followed them toward the main entrance, feeling the weight of the stares.

Being the “stepsister” of the fallen captain always drew attention but now it felt different. People weren’t just curious; they

were wary.

The rumors of the “parley” at the border had leaked in that vagu, distorted way pack business always did, and everyone knew that the Hales weren’t to be trifled with.

As we reached the lockers, a group of varsity players crowded arund, clapping Elijah on the shoulder. I stepped back, giving

them space. This was his world,

“Hey, Claire.”

I turned to see Jessica standing there, holding two iced coffees. She handed me one with a knowing look. “You look like you haven’t slept since the game ended.”

“Is it that obvious?” I sighed, taking a grateful sip.

“You have that ‘I am currently managing a very difficult werewol look about you,” she joked. “How is he? Really?”

“Restless. Annoying. Protective,” I listed, glancing back at Elijah.e was laughing at something Felix said, but I noticed the way he shifted his weight, favoring his side. He was still in pain,ven if he was hiding it for the cameras,

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14:38 Wed, Jan 7

Chapter 213

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“And you?” Jessica asked, her voice dropping. “How’s the heart holding up with all this stress?”

“It’s okay,” I lied automatically.

In truth, the constant proximity to Elijah-the secret kisses, the hared tension, the fear for his safety-was taking its toll. My chest felt tight, a dull ache that seemed to flare every time he looked at me with that possessive amber light in his eyes.

But I couldn’t tell her that. I couldn’t tell anyone.

The morning went by in a blur of crowded hallways and teacher giving Elijah “sympathy passes.” By third period, I could tell he was flagging.

His posture had stiffened, and he was rubbing the back of his neck more frequently.

I caught up with him at his locker before lunch.

“Time’s up,” I said, leaning against the cold metal. “Four hours are over. Let’s go.”

“I have English,” he protested, though he looked pale. “We’re starting the Gatsby unit. I can’t miss Gatsby.”

“You don’t even like Gatsby,” I reminded him. “You once told me ay Gatsby was ‘a simp with a bad plan”.”

“I stand by that, but it’s a very entertaining bad plan.” He leaned his head against the locker, closing his eyes for a second.

“Fine. You win. My head is starting to throb like a drum.”

“Come on. I’ll get you home before Mom finds out you tried to push it.”

We walked toward the exit, but as we passed the gym, the double doors swung open.

Mason Reed stood there.

He wasn’t in uniform. He had a black eye and a split lip-remnants of Ethan’s “conversation” at the border-but he was here. He shouldn’t have been. He was supposed to be suspended.

The air in the hallway turned freezing. I felt Elijah’s wolf surge, a physical wave of heat and aggression that made the hair on my neck stand up.

He stepped in front of me instinctively, his hand dropping to my waist.

Mason didn’t say a word. He didn’t have to. The look he gave Elijah was pure, unadulterated venom.

He flicked his gaze to me, a slow, predatory smirk spreading across his face.

Elijah’s growl wasn’t normal. It was a low, guttural vibration that tarted in his chest and echoed off the lockers.

“Keep walking, Reed,” Elijah warned, his voice a dangerous rasp. Unless you want the other eye to match.”

Mason laughed, a cold, hollow sound. “Enjoy your ‘recovery,’ Hal. I hear the views from the sidelines are great.”

He brushed past us, his shoulder intentionally clipping Elijah’s. was a small movement, but in the world of wolves, it was a declaration of war.

Elijah spun around, his face contorting with rage, but I grabbed is arm.

“Elijah, no!” I hissed. “The cameras. The teachers. Your neck.”

He was shaking, his muscles coiled like a spring. I could see the amber bleeding into his irises. “He touched you, Claire. He looked at you like—”

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