Oops Wrong Girl to Bully (Angelina) by Xena Kessler novel Chapter 176

Chapter 176″

ARIA POV

It was a practical reason Something that made sense.

But it was also true. I did want his guidance.

And it was an excuse to spend more time with him.

Derek’s hands tightened on the wheel. Not from stress. From surprise.

He turned to look at me for a second before focusing back on the road. His expression showed shock. Then something else. Something warm.

“You’re asking me to mentor you?”

“If you have time,

A genuine smile spread across his face. I’d like that. I’d like that a lot.”

Good.

“We could meet up regularly. Go over tactical scenarios. I could teach you what to expect. How to navigate the system. Whatever you need.”

“That works.”

Derek was nodding now. Still smiling. “Yeah. Yeah, we’ll do that. Next weekend maybe? Or whenever you’re free.”

“Next weekend works.”

Something warm settled in my chest. Unfamiliar but not unpleasant.

This man was my father. My biological father. And even though he didn’t know it, I wanted him in my life.

Not as a stranger. As family.

The Sterling house came into view. Lights were on in the living room. Nathan and my brothers were probably waiting up.

Derek pulled into the driveway. Put the vehicle in park.

He turned to face me. His expression was soft. “Thank you, Aria. For trusting me with this, I’ll make sure you’re prepared for whatever comes next.”

“I know you will.”

He got out. Walked around to get my gear bag from the backseat.

I opened my door and stepped out. The night air was cool. Derek handede the bag. “Get some rest. You’ve got school in the morning.”

“I will.”

“And text me when you’re free next weekend. Well set something up.”

“Okay”

He stood there for a moment. Like he wanted to say something else but wasn’t sure how.

Then he just nodded “Goodnight, Aria.

“Goodnight, Derek.

I walked toward the front door. Behind me, I heard the SUV engine start up again.

I stopped at the door. Turned around. Watched his taillights disappear down the street.

That warmth in my chest was still there. I’d asked for what I wanted. It was a small thing. But it mattered.

The second day. The bell rang. Final period ended.

I grabbed my backpack. Shoved my math textbook inside. The classroom emptied around me.

Logan appeared at my desk. “Hey, you coming to lunch tomorrow? Or are you gonna disappear again for some secret military thing?”

“I’ll be there.”

“Good. Because I need help with the history essay. You’re like weirdly good at analyzing historical conflicts.”

I smiled slightly. “I’ll help you.”

“Sweet! See you tomorrow!”

I walked out of Roseville High School. The parking lot was crowded. Students everywhere. Talking, Laughing. Living their normal teenage lives.

And I was one of them now. I liked it.

The walk home took twenty minutes. Same route I’d taken dozens of times now. Past the convenience store. Past the park. Past Mrs. Chen’s house with the garden full of roses.

Everything was familiar. When I reached the Sterling house, I could smell dinner cooking. Grace’s cooking. Something with garlic and soy sauce.

I opened the front door.

‘I’m home!”

Aria! Perfect timing! Grace called from the kitchen. “Dinner’s almost ready! Go wash up!”

I dropped my backpack by the stairs. Headed to the bathroom.

When I came back down, everyone was already at the table. Nathan Grace Ethan. Leo.

And Caelan.

He sat at his usual spot now Between Ethan and Leo. Both my brothers st watched him carefully during meals. But the hostility had faded

Mostly.

“How was school? Nathan asked. He looked tired. Long day at work probally.

Fine. Got an A on my English essay.”

“That’s my girl!” Grace beamed. “I’m so proud of you *

Leo reached for the rice. Of course she got an A. She’s like annoyingly good at everything.”

“Not annoying, Ethan corrected. “Impressive.”

“Same thing.”

I sat down in my chair. Started filling my plate. The food was simple. But tasted better than any fancy meal I’d eaten as Alpha King.

Nathan started talking about work. Some story about a customer who tried to return a broken tool they’d clearly damaged themselves.

Grace laughed. Added her own story about a difficult customer at the restaurant.

Ethan mentioned his upcoming promotion evaluation at work.

Leo complained about his manager being unfair about shift schedules.

Normal family conversation. Nothing dramatic. Nothing dangerous.

Just people who cared about each other. Sharing their day.

I ate quietly. Listened. Sometimes added a comment.

After dinner, I helped Grace clear the dishes. Leo volunteered to wash. Ethan dried.

Nathan went to the living room. Turned on the TV. Some sports game.

Caelan stood up. “I’ll be outside if anyone needs me.”

I finished drying the last plate. Put it away. “I’m going to get some air.”

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