5. THE FIRST NIGHT

SERAPHINA

My first night at the Lupine Academy was anything but peaceful. I spent the entire night lying stiffly on the edge of my bed. Never in my life had I shared a room with anyone, let alone slept surrounded by people. Not just any just any group of people, Alpha males. My wolf’s ears perked up at the slightest sound: the shift of weight on mattresses, the scrape of fingernails, or even a muffled cough. Every little movement made my muscles tense, especially knowing Alpha Ronan was one of them.

He had returned to the room after lights out when I was already in bed. I pretended to be asleep, my back turned in his direction, but for some reason, I felt his gaze lingering on me in the darkness. I clenched my blanket tighter. Was I imagining it because he’d spent the entire day staring at me? I didn’t dare turn to confirm it. Better to leave it unanswered, knowing for sure would have robbed me of what little sleep I managed to snatch.

Morning came with the unmistakable sound of Reed and Cassius bickering, cursing, and throwing playful punches at each other. It was unnecessarily loud and obnoxious. Resigned, I sat up in bed, blinking my sleep-heavy eyes open — only to freeze as Ronan walked into the room, freshly bathed and wearing nothing but a towel slung low around his hips.

My breath caught in my throat and my eyes widened, as I nearly toppled off the bed, completely caught off guard by the unexpected display of near-nudity. Why the hell was he roaming around like that? His eyes were already fixed on me, so I quickly schooled my expression, forcing my features into a mask of indifference as I stood up from the bed. But my heart was still racing like a wild stallion in my chest.

Of course, it was an all-male dormitory. Such casual nakedness was probably normal here. Reed was half-naked, and Cassius… well, his state of undress didn’t even bear describing. Yet none of them compared to Ronan. His body was lethal perfection — every inch of him was hard, honed muscle. While tying my shoes, I couldn’t stop my eyes from stealing a glance. Droplets of water rolled down his wet hair and slid over his eight-pack abs, trailing down toward the towel hanging dangerously low around his hips. His broad, intimidating 6’3” frame seemed to command the room without effort.

Unlike the others, Ronan’s back wasn’t flawless. It was marred by scars — old, jagged things criss crossing his skin. Not the kind you earned from sparring matches or academy drills. No, those scars told a different story. A history of brutal battles. Real, bloody wars. Despite myself, I found my gaze lingering, drawn by a curiosity I couldn’t name.

Then, as if sensing my scrutiny, he casually hooked a finger under the edge of his towel, and my breath hitched as it loosened slightly. Instantly, I yanked my eyes away, my heart thudding wildly. Shit. I’d seen naked men before, plenty of times during training and on the battlefield. But for some reason, when it came to him, it rattled me.

Get a grip, Sera, I silently scolded myself and made my way to my cupboard.

The room gradually emptied as the other Alphas started getting ready in their uniforms, leaving me to gather a fresh uniform. I was just reaching for it when Ronan’s voice came from right behind me.

“You slept in your uniform?”

I froze, my hand tightening around the fabric. He was standing close, far too close. I hadn’t intended to sleep fully dressed. I wanted to change into something more comfortable, but every time I’d considered it, one of them would show up, making it impossible to undress without risking exposure. And I couldn’t let anyone see the bandages around my chest.

“I was too lazy to change,” I replied casually, forcing myself to turn and meet his gaze.

One dark brow arched. “Then what? Too lazy to shower, too?”

I bit the inside of my cheek. Truth was, I’d been avoiding it. Afraid that the water might wash away the concealing scent of the perfume I used to mask my true identity. I’d planned to bathe once the room was empty, but why the hell was he so interested in my hygiene?

“I love being dirty,” I shot back, a wicked grin playing on my lips as his expression darkened. Across the room, Finn stiffened, clearly catching my comment. I kept going, just to see the look on Ronan’s face. “Sometimes I don’t bathe for weeks. Months, even.”

I was about to add something even more outrageous to hopefully creep him out for good when Cassius burst into the room, slinging an arm around my shoulders like we were old friends. My wolf tensed instantly at the unwanted, too-close contact. It took every ounce of restraint not to twist his arm and slam him to the floor.

“Seth! You haven’t washed up yet, have you?” he grinned, completely oblivious. “Let’s hit the showers before the bell rings.”

My stomach dropped. Communal showers? No private stalls? My pulse hammered against my ribs.

Before I could react, a deep, low growl rippled through the room. Everyone stilled.

Ronan’s sharp eyes locked on Cassius, his gaze flicking pointedly to the arm draped around my shoulders. “Don’t you see I’m talking to him?” His voice was a deadly, simmering threat. “Get out.”