--- *Episode 1: The Transfer student

Perfect — here’s *Episode 1: The Transfer Student*

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*Episode 1: The Transfer Student*

Silverpine High smelled like wet pine and chlorine and cheap cologne.

Kael Frost hated it.

He moved through the crowded hallway like ice through water — everyone parting around him without him having to say a word. Black hoodie, black boots, expression carved from granite. Senior year was almost over and he’d kept it that way on purpose. No attachments. No distractions. No slip-ups.

One mistake and his father’s enemies would use it against the pack.

“Hey, Frost. New girl in Chem 3A,” his cousin Jace said, falling into step beside him. “Blonde. Human. Looks lost.”

Kael didn’t look up from his phone. “Not my problem.”

“Thought you’d want to know. Dad said we’re supposed to keep an eye on humans around the school.” Jace grinned. “Especially pretty ones.”

Kael’s jaw tightened. “She’s human. That’s all you need to know.”

The bell rang and students scattered. Kael turned toward his locker, and that’s when he smelled it.

Rain. Cedar. Pine after a storm.

It was faint, almost buried under the scent of paper and floor cleaner, but it hit him like a punch to the ribs. His wolf, who’d been silent and obedient for years, sat up and _howled_ in his head.

Kael froze.

Across the hall, a girl was struggling with a stack of textbooks outside the chemistry room. Blonde hair pulled into a messy braid, oversized parka two sizes too big, cheeks pink from the January cold. She dropped a book and bent to pick it up, and when she looked up, their eyes met.

Hazel. Wide. Startled.

The hallway noise faded to nothing.

Kael’s pulse didn’t spike. His breathing didn’t change. That wasn’t allowed. But something deep in his chest twisted, sharp and unfamiliar, like a blade sliding between his ribs.

Recognition.

_Mate._

The word hit him with the force of a physical blow. His wolf snarled, clawing at the surface, demanding he go to her, claim her, protect her.

Kael slammed the mental door shut.

_No._

She was human. Humans were off-limits. Humans got people killed. His mother had been human. Look how that ended.

He forced his expression back to stone and walked past her without a second glance.

“Hey—” the girl started, then stopped when he didn’t respond.

Jace caught up to him, eyes narrowing. “You okay? You went pale.”

“Fine,” Kael said. His voice was flat. Controlled. “Tell Dad the new girl’s name is Lena Carter. And tell him to keep the pack away from her.”

Jace frowned. “Why?”

Because if anyone finds out what she is to me, she won’t survive the week.