CHAPTER 52: A MIX OF DADDY VIBES/MAFIABOYFRIEND ENERGY.

She froze. Angela wished she could wake up from this damn dream, but nothing happened. Her heart was racing, her body tense. What was the way out? There didn’t seem to be any. She looked down at her chest, and her breath caught. Her nipples were stiff and pressing against the fabric. She had forgotten to wear her wrap under her shirt before going to bed, thinking it didn’t matter since she was only sleeping on the couch.

She never imagined she would land in a dream with Renn, of all people. And now, he had seen it. Everything. Just like with Stales and Alex, the truth had come out without warning. She couldn’t hide it anymore.

"Renn..." she whispered, her voice low and shaky.

But she didn’t get to finish.

Her eyes snapped open and she found herself back in her bed. Her head ached the moment she sat up. And that was when she saw them. Two silver eyes staring right at her. Cold shivers spread down her spine as she jumped up in surprise, her arms instantly moving to cover her chest, but then she realized there was a blanket already over her.

It was Kaito.

He had covered her with a blanket. Why? The same Kaito who threw her on the couch without one now decided to be thoughtful? Not only that, he was sitting there, watching her sleep?

"What the hell is wrong with you?" he asked sharply, his tone tight. "Why were you calling Renn in your dream?"

Angela’s eyes widened. She didn’t know what to say. His arms were folded over his chest, making them look even broader. They reminded her of Renn for a moment, and her stomach twisted at the memory of Renn trying to kiss her. Her chest still felt strange, like it remembered his touch even though it was just a dream.

"Did you dream of Renn?" Kaito asked again, pulling her out of her thoughts. He stared at her, deep and focused, like he was searching her soul, but she knew better. This was how he always looked when he paid attention to someone. It wasn’t real.

"I dreamt of him?" Angela repeated, trying to act clueless. She clutched the blanket tighter over her chest, panicking inside. She didn’t want him to notice the shape of her breasts like Renn had. If she could go back in time, she would have worn her wrap without a second thought.

"Yes," Kaito said firmly. "You called his name. I heard you. What was the dream about?"

"I don’t remember," Angela lied, not daring to meet his eyes. If she did, the truth would spill right out. She wasn’t ready to tell him that in her dream, Renn had almost kissed her, and worse, that a part of her had wanted it.

"It must have been from the Initiation night," she added quickly. "I’ve been having nightmares since then."

Kaito didn’t say anything right away. He just kept looking at her, but the tension in the air was heavy. Then finally, his voice softened just a little.

"If you feel so scared, then come to the bed and lie down," he said gently. Angela stared at him in shock. He was offering her his bed? The same Kaito who once kicked her out without care was now telling her to come lie beside him?

"No... I’m fine on the couch," she replied, holding the blanket tightly to her chest. She didn’t dare look at him. If she did, she might throw herself into his arms and agree to whatever he said. "I haven’t even apologized for what happened. I was rude. I’m sorry for disrespecting you the other day."

"If I hadn’t forgiven you, you wouldn’t still be in this room, or even in the Academy," Kaito answered calmly. Then he reached for her hand and pulled her slightly. "Stand up. Let’s go to the bed. From now on, that’s where you’ll sleep."

"What?" Angela blinked, confused. Her heart skipped. Was he really inviting her to his bed? Her wolf was already screaming in excitement. Get up, girl. Don’t fuck this up for us.

"Yes. Get up," he repeated.

"No, I’m fine sleeping here on the couch. You don’t have to inconvenience yourself," Angela tried to reason, but she knew too well what it meant to share a bed with a mate. It wasn’t just dangerous. It was torture. Her body always betrayed her around them. Lying next to one would be asking for trouble.

"I am not asking," Kaito’s voice turned sharp, his tone firm and commanding. "You’re coming with me. Unless, of course, you want me to carry you myself."

He waited. Angela didn’t move. She held onto the blanket like her life depended on it.

"Fine then. I’ll do it," he said, letting go of her hand.

"Noooo..." she started, but it was already too late.

Kaito lifted her into his arms. Her breath caught in her throat. She felt like melting into him. His scent, his strength, the warmth of his body... it was all too much. She was in her mate’s arms. He didn’t even know she was a girl, yet he cared for her. Protected her.

Angela clung tightly to the blanket. It was her only shield. Her chest was pressed lightly against his, and she prayed he didn’t feel the difference. Her head rested against him, her heart racing like mad.

Kaito placed her gently on the bed. For a second, their faces were so close she could feel the warmth of his breath. A small smile touched his lips. Angela’s chest burned. Her cheeks flushed with heat. Her heart was pounding and she didn’t understand why he was suddenly this soft, this gentle. He had always stood by her, but now it felt like more than duty.

Did he know? Could he tell she was a girl?

"You don’t have to be scared anymore," he said quietly as he sat beside her on the bed. "I’ll be here. By your side. While you sleep."

Angela nodded, her words stuck in her throat. Then suddenly, she began to cough. Her chest tightened as the fit hit her hard.

Kaito stood immediately. He rushed to the small fridge and pulled out a bottle of water. He came back and handed it to her without saying a word.

She took it, opened the cap, and drank deeply.

"You okay?" he asked, his voice full of concern, his eyes locked on her face.

"I’m fine. It’s normal for me to cough when I feel cold," Angela said quietly. "But... you’re acting way too caring tonight."

"Really? You think so?" Kaito looked surprised for a second, but then a smile slowly spread across his face. "Maybe I hit my head somewhere and lost my memory."

"I hope you don’t get it back," Angela replied, and they both laughed softly. She was the first to stop laughing, though. Her eyes wouldn’t leave his face. Kaito didn’t need to try hard. As a guy, he was dangerously attractive. All he had to do was look at you, and that was it. You were gone. Completely lost in him. Forever.

"Did Alex say anything to you this evening?" Angela asked, doubt creeping into her heart again. She needed to be sure. But Kaito shook his head calmly.

"What about Stales?"

"No. Why? Were they supposed to tell me something?" His voice was steady, but his brows drew together in confusion.

That was all she needed. He really had no clue. Good. That meant her secret was still safe.

"N-no... I was just curious," she mumbled, looking away.

Kaito glanced at the wall clock, then sighed and shook his head. "It’s already time for road work. If you don’t feel too good, you can stay in bed."

Angela’s eyes widened. "No. I can’t miss it. That’ll mess up my rankings."

She was already hanging by a thread, and everyone knew it. One more mistake, one more low grade, and she would be out. That thought alone was enough to make her chest tighten.

"I can help you with that," Kaito offered. "Just for today’s road work. You didn’t even sleep well last night."

Angela smiled at him. Not because he was being generous, but because the way he said it gave her chills. He wasn’t just sweet, he had that mix of daddy vibes and mafia boyfriend energy all at once. A dangerous mix. Still, she had to stay focused.

"No. I need to work hard, no matter how tired I am. I want to grow. I want to improve. This hard life... it’ll shape me."

"If you say so. I’m impressed, though," Kaito said as he stood and made his way into the bathroom.

Angela couldn’t help but giggle quietly once he was gone. He liked her. She could feel it. It was in his eyes, his voice, the way he looked at her.

But the fear remained. What if that feeling disappeared the moment he found out the truth? What if everything changed once he learned she had been lying all along?

No. She was not going to think about that. Angela pushed the thoughts out of her head as she quickly changed into her workout clothes and rushed out of the room. Today, she was early. For the first time, she arrived at the meeting spot before most students. A few were already there, and they all looked surprised to see her show up so early and looking so serious.

More students started arriving, and then Kaito showed up too. Each time he walked past her, checking that everyone was lined up and ready, her heart skipped. She tried to stay focused, but her eyes followed him. Her body reacted in ways she didn’t want to admit. She wanted to spend time with him alone. But why? Why did she crave him?

Fuck this mating thing, Angela muttered to herself.

After the morning exercise, she hurried back to her room, took a quick shower, and got ready for class. She made her way to the cafeteria, hoping—maybe just hoping a little—that she would see Renn. But he wasn’t there. None of the Alphas were. A wave of relief swept over her. Because the truth was... she wanted all of them. Every single one. And that terrified her.

She couldn’t understand what was wrong with her. Was this how other werewolves felt? Like animals in heat? No control, no shame, just raw need? It didn’t feel right. It didn’t feel normal. Something was off with her. Deeply off.

After eating, she left for class. She wanted to pass by her locker first and grab the books she needed. When she got there, something felt strange. Her locker was open. Not just open—it had been broken into.

Angela looked around quickly. Only a few students had come back from the cafeteria. There was still some time before class started. Her heart thudded in her chest. She stepped closer, forcing herself to stay calm.

"I won’t be angry," she whispered to herself. "I won’t let this ruin my beautiful day."

She took a deep breath and opened the locker fully, wiping her hand over the door. That was when she saw it.

A message written in blood.

You have till the next full moon to leave or die like the bitch you are.