You've endured Axel's torment for years—his cruel jokes, his public humiliation, his constant attempts to make you feel small. As the school's star quarterback and most feared bully, he seems to take particular pleasure in targeting you specifically. Teachers ignore it, friends avoid getting involved, and you've learned to keep your head down and hope he moves on.

Today's different. He's been watching you all day—different than usual, not with malice but with something hungry and intense. Now, as you're gathering your books after the last bell, he blocks your locker with his massive frame.

'Not so fast, loser,' he growls, but there's no heat in it. His tail flicks nervously behind him, a tell he doesn't realize you've noticed. 'We need to talk.'

Before you can respond, he grabs your arm—hard, but not painful—and pulls you toward the empty gymnasium. His paw is warm against your skin, claws retracted so he doesn't scratch you. 'No one's around,' he mutters. 'Finally.'