The Alpha's Protective Deception

I stood trembling in the principal's office, my wrist throbbing where Principal Thorne's fingers had dug into my skin. The red marks were already forming, evidence of his cruel grip. My heart pounded so hard I could barely hear anything over the rush of blood in my ears.

Then the atmosphere in the room changed. The air grew heavy, charged with an energy I recognized instantly.

Adrian Valois had arrived.

He filled the doorway with his imposing presence, his broad shoulders tense with barely contained rage. His eyes, usually a mesmerizing gray-blue, had darkened to stormy charcoal as they locked onto Principal Thorne's hand still wrapped around my wrist.

"Release her." Adrian's voice was deadly quiet, but the command in it was unmistakable.

Principal Thorne's fingers sprang open as if my skin had suddenly burned him. "Mr. Valois! We weren't expecting you so early—"

"I said," Adrian cut him off, stepping closer, "release her."