The afternoon sun bathed the campus in gold, but Bailey didn’t notice the warmth. His focus was on something far simpler, the joy of being alive, the little victories of surviving another day, and the soft wag of his tail as he headed toward the school gates.

Bag swinging, papers slightly askew, and sneakers scuffed from too many hours of work, Bailey hummed to himself. His bright smile and sparkling eyes made him practically glow—a small, radiant sun in the middle of the bustling campus. Students passing by barely noticed, or if they did, they smiled in return. Bailey didn’t know he was contagious.

But someone was watching.

Luca leaned casually against his black million-dollar car just outside the school gate, one hand tucked into his pocket, the other brushing idly along the polished hood. Students whispered and stared from behind him, phones raised, but Luca didn’t care. Cameras, whispers, gossip—none of it mattered. Only one thing did.

He glanced at his watch, then back at the front halls of the school.

Every instinct in his wolf screamed, every cell in his body coiled and ready. Waiting for one golden light to appear.

Then he saw him.

Bailey’s eyes lifted, and they met Luca’s.

The golden Omega’s pupils widened, cheeks flushing pink, tail wagging so fast it was practically a blur. His grin stretched impossibly wide, bright enough to make Luca’s chest tighten. The world around them seemed to vanish.

“Luca!” Bailey called, voice bright, light, happy, skipping all pretense.

Without a thought, Bailey sprinted toward him, arms slightly flailing, his bag bouncing, golden hair catching the sun. Other students froze, whispers dying in their throats.

Luca’s lips curled. Not the cold, perfect smile the public adored—but real, unguarded, and just a little dangerous.

“Finally,” he murmured under his breath, silver eyes softening as he stepped forward, letting Bailey crash into him in the perfect, chaotic hug of happiness.

Bailey laughed, nuzzling lightly against Luca’s chest, tail wagging uncontrollably, sparkling eyes filled with pure trust and delight. “I was worried I’d be late, but—here you are!”

Luca’s hand rested lightly on his back, wolf instincts alert, possessive, protective. The world around them no longer mattered. Only Bailey, only this moment.

And then, movement caught Luca’s attention.

From the edge of the school gate, someone was watching. Someone sharp. Someone familiar.

Luca’s jaw tightened. His silver eyes narrowed. His wolf rumbled deep in his chest.

He knew that look.

A new threat. Someone who had been observing Bailey too. Someone who wasn’t just curious. Someone dangerous.

And Luca didn’t intend to let this one touch his Omega—not ever.

But for now, in this golden moment, Bailey’s laughter filled the air, warm and unshakable.

Golden light and silver shadows stood together at the gates.

One wolf ready to claim.

One Omega blissfully unaware of the storm forming just beyond the sunlight.

—To Be Continued—