Chapter 10: Crash Course

The message weighed heavy in Vale's hands, her fingers trembling slightly as she stared at the screen. "You think you're untouchable, Carter? Let's see how fast you really are."

Her first instinct was to delete it, to pretend like it wasn't there, like nothing had changed. But deep down, she knew this wasn't just a random threat. Whoever sent it knew her well enough to dig up the one secret she'd carefully guarded.

Lila noticed her silent pause, leaning over her shoulder. "Everything okay?"

Vale snapped her phone shut, forcing a smile. "Yeah, just—nothing."

But Lila didn't buy it. "Vale..."

"I'm fine," she insisted, but the uncertainty in her voice betrayed her. "Just… someone messing around."

"Don't let it get to you," Lila said, eyeing her carefully. "You've got enough going on without someone trying to make you feel small."

Vale didn't respond, her thoughts swirling. Was this a random person trying to mess with her, or had someone from her past come back to haunt her? She couldn't afford to get distracted, but it was hard to shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.

Later that day, Vale found herself standing next to Kian outside of their history class. The tension from the gossip had settled into a quiet, simmering undercurrent between them. He hadn't mentioned the photo or the rumors since their brief exchange by her locker. It was as if he was waiting for her to say something.

But she couldn't bring herself to talk about it—not yet.

"Hey," Kian said, leaning casually against the wall. "You're quiet today. Something up?"

Vale hesitated, her gaze drifting away. She knew she needed to tell him about the message, but something stopped her. She'd been doing just fine without anyone getting involved in her world. But Kian wasn't like the others. Maybe it was time for a change.

Instead, she shrugged. "Nothing really. Just… people can be idiots sometimes."

He studied her for a moment, like he was reading her thoughts. "You sure? Because I'm getting this vibe that you're keeping something from me."

It was that look again—like he was seeing more than just her surface. Like he knew there was something more beneath it.

But Vale couldn't bring herself to tell him everything, not yet. She wasn't sure if she trusted him enough. Or maybe she wasn't sure if she was ready for him to see all of her.

"I'll be fine," she said, offering him a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Kian nodded slowly, still studying her like he was waiting for her to crack. "Okay. But I'm not going anywhere, Vale. If you want to talk—about anything—I'm here."

Before she could respond, the bell rang, pulling them into the whirlwind of the school day. But the weight of his words lingered in her chest, and the quiet promise of his support felt oddly comforting.

Later that afternoon, as she headed for the parking lot, Vale couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching her. The chill in the air made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end.

She was halfway to her car when she heard the engine roar behind her. She spun around, her heart skipping a beat as a black motorcycle screeched to a stop in front of her. The rider—who she didn't recognize—pulled off their helmet, revealing a smirk.

"Ready for a real race, Carter?"

Vale's pulse quickened. This wasn't just some random challenge. The message had been a warning—a test to see how far she would go. And whoever this was, they knew exactly what they were doing.

"I don't know who you are," Vale said, her voice steady but her eyes narrowing. "But if this is some kind of game, you're playing with the wrong person."

The rider laughed. "Maybe. But I think you'll enjoy it, anyway."

Vale took a deep breath. She could feel the adrenaline building, the familiar rush of competition calling to her. She wasn't about to back down—not from someone who thought they could intimidate her.

With a single look at her car, she nodded. "Let's go."

The race was set. This wasn't just about proving herself anymore. This was about showing whoever was behind the challenge that Vale Carter didn't run from anyone—no matter how many red lights flashed in front of her.