Possessive Instincts and a Private Summons

The silence in the car stretched for what felt like forever. Kaelen's eyes never left mine in the rearview mirror, that infuriating smirk still playing on his lips.

"Fine," he said finally. "You can use my laptop when we get back to the academy. But you work with me, not around me. Clear?"

The unexpected victory left me momentarily speechless. I hadn't actually expected him to agree. "Crystal," I managed.

Jaxon snorted beside me. "Never thought I'd see the day Vance backed down."

"I'm not backing down," Kaelen said smoothly, shifting his attention to the road as he pulled away from the curb. "I'm being pragmatic. Hazel has proven herself capable."

Something warm bloomed in my chest at the unexpected praise. My wolf preened.

"Thank you," I said quietly.

"Don't thank me yet," he replied. "You might not like what we find."