Chapter 4 The Growing Bond

Lily walked through the school corridors, gripping the strap of her backpack tightly. The day had barely started, yet she already felt exhausted from dodging the usual whispers and glares. She had always been an outcast, but today was different-something had shifted.

And she knew exactly why.

Fred.

Ever since their new history teacher arrived, she had felt a strange pull toward him. It was unsettling but also... comforting. His presence was unlike anything she had ever known-strong, steady, and oddly familiar.

She entered the classroom and immediately felt eyes on her. Lucia, sitting at the front, twirled her blonde hair around her finger while sneaking glances at Fred. Her lips curled into a smug smile when she saw Lily.

Lily ignored her and walked to her seat.

Fred stood at the front, flipping through a book. When he looked up, his eyes lingered on Lily for a second too long before he spoke.

"Before we start today's lesson, I want to establish one rule," Fred said, his deep voice commanding the room. "Respect. I won't tolerate bullying of any kind."

He let his words settle before continuing.

"You can't put hatred on her just because you're jealous of her intelligence. I will never be convinced it's because she's wolfless." His voice was firm, unwavering.

The room grew tense. No one had ever openly defended Lily before.

"Is she the first person to be wolfless at eighteen?" he continued, scanning the classroom. "You all were quick to forget she's the daughter of your former Alpha. She doesn't deserve to be treated this way."

Lucia scoffed, crossing her arms. "This is a werewolf school, sir. The weak stay weak."

A tense silence settled in the room.

Fred's sharp gaze locked onto her. "Strength isn't about who can shift. It's about character."

Lucia frowned but said nothing.

Lily kept her head down, surprised. No teacher had ever put Lucia in her place like that before.

As the class went on, Fred announced a group assignment.

"I'll be pairing you up," he said, scanning the room.

"Annie with Thomas."

"Jackson with Lucia."

He continued pairing students until only Lily remained. The class had an odd number, which meant-

"Lily, you'll be with me."

The classroom fell into a hush.

Lucia stiffened in her seat. "That's not fair. Shouldn't students work together?"

Fred raised a brow. "Do you have a problem with my decision?"

Lucia hesitated, then shook her head.

Lily swallowed hard. She wasn't sure if she should be nervous or... happy. But deep down, she knew something was happening. Why wouldn't he pair with someone else? Why her?

After class, Lucia stormed toward Lily, her heels clicking against the floor.

"Stay away from Fred," she hissed.

Lily blinked. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me." Lucia's green eyes burned with anger. "I don't know why he's paying attention to you, but it's pathetic. He deserves someone stronger. Someone like me."

Lily clenched her fists. "I didn't ask for his attention."

Lucia stepped closer, lowering her voice. "If you don't back off, I'll make your life worse than it already is."

Before Lily could respond, Fred appeared behind them.

"Is there a problem?"

Lucia stiffened, then forced a sweet smile. "No, sir." She spun around and walked off, her fake politeness making Lily want to gag.

Fred turned to Lily. "Are you okay?"

She nodded, but Fred didn't look convinced. "If she ever bothers you again, let me know."

Lily was taken aback. No one had ever cared about her like this before.

"Thank you," she whispered.

Fred simply nodded before walking away.

Later, during lunch, Lily sat outside with Annie and Joe. Annie was practically glowing as she leaned into Joe, her mate.

"Can you believe it's been three months since we were marked?" Annie sighed dreamily.

Joe chuckled. "Feels like yesterday."

Lily smiled, but a pang of envy hit her chest. Annie had found her mate, and here she was-wolfless and alone.

"You okay, Lily?" Annie asked, noticing her silence.

Lily forced a nod. "Yeah, just thinking."

"Thinking of what?" Annie teased.

"About a certain history teacher?" Annie smirked.

Lily nearly choked on her drink. "What? No!"

Joe raised a brow. "You sure? Because he does seem very... protective of you."

Lily's cheeks burned. "He's just being kind."

"Kindddddd," Annie repeated dramatically.

She exchanged a look with Joe. "If you say so."

For days, Eleanor had been observing Lily. She wasn't her usual self-no longer sitting alone, lost in thought. Something had changed.

That evening, Eleanor knocked on Lily's door.

"Lily?"

Lily glanced up from her book.

"You've been quiet," Eleanor said, sitting on the edge of the bed.

Lily shrugged. "Just tired."

Eleanor studied her. "You seem... distracted. Like something's on your mind."

Lily hesitated. "It's nothing, Mom."

Eleanor smirked. "It's a boy, isn't it?"

Lily's face turned red. "Mom!"

Eleanor chuckled. "I was your age once, you know. Who is he?"

Lily shook her head. "No one. And even if there was, it wouldn't matter."

Eleanor sighed, brushing Lily's hair back. "You deserve happiness, Lily. Don't be afraid of it."

Lily bit her lip, unsure how to respond.

Eleanor kissed her cheek before leaving.

------------------------------

The next day, Lily stayed after class to work on the assignment.

Fred sat across from her. "The topic is ancient werewolf history. Have you read much about it?"

Lily nodded. "A little. I always found it interesting how packs used to coexist before war divided them."

Fred leaned forward, intrigued. "And what's your take on that?"

Lily hesitated, then said, "I think power corrupts. The packs were at peace until leaders started wanting more control. It was never about survival-it was about dominance."

Fred's gaze darkened slightly, as if her words had hit something deep. "That's a rare perspective."

"It's just... history repeats itself, right? If leaders don't learn, they make the same mistakes."

Fred nodded. "Exactly. That's why history matters. It teaches us what not to do."

They worked together, exchanging ideas. Their discussion flowed naturally, but every so often, their hands would brush, sending sparks through Lily.

At one point, Fred stilled, staring at her.

Their eyes met.

A deep, unspoken understanding passed between them.

It wasn't just attraction.

It was something far stronger.

What was happening?