Mia

I sat in the front seat of the company van with my arms folded tight across my chest like a human padlock. My camera crew sat behind me, James included, trying very hard to breathe quietly as if the sound of oxygen itself might set me off.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I wasn't the kind of person who gets mad over small things. Like if someone cuts in front of me in line, fine. If a waiter forgets my order, I’ll smile through the hunger pains. But what I couldn’t stand, the one thing guaranteed to make my blood boil, was when people laughed at something cruel, like it was comedy night and not someone else’s dignity.

And that’s exactly what my crew had done. They laughed at Liam’s joke. His stupid, dagger-in-disguise joke at my expense. I had gone mute the second we left the press conference, knowing that if medals were given for Olympic-level humiliation, I would have taken gold.

James finally cracked the silence first. “Mia, you’re really going to ignore us all the way to the camp?”

I kept my eyes fixed on the windshield, where the national team bus cruised ahead like a moving billboard of ego and sweat. “Yes.”

He sighed. “Look, it was just a joke. A bad one, sure, but you know we can edit that part out before airing. No one has to see it.”

“That’s not the point,” I snapped, twisting in my seat just enough to glare at him. “It’s not funny. That’s what annoys me. Why do people always laugh along when someone gets humiliated? Like, is there some secret rulebook where empathy doesn’t exist as long as you’re entertained?”

The rest of the crew went unusually quiet. Even the air conditioner hummed like it was guilty.

James leaned forward, resting his elbows on the back of my seat. “You’re right. We shouldn’t have laughed. I’m sorry.”

I blinked, thrown off by the sincerity in his voice.

“Yeah, me too,” one of the others mumbled. “It wasn’t cool.”

Another followed, “We were caught in the moment. But still, we shouldn’t have done that to you.”

Lyra stirred inside me, softer this time, like a low purr. ‘At least they know they hurt you. That counts for something.’

I inhaled slowly, my chest loosening just a bit. Forgiving people wasn’t easy for me, not since… well, not since that night years ago. But I wasn’t heartless either. “Fine. Apology accepted. Just don’t do it again. I mean it.”

The atmosphere lifted almost instantly. Someone turned on the radio, James cracked a lame joke about the driver’s haircut, and I allowed myself a small smile as we trailed behind the team bus.

But then, as if the universe hated me, the bus slowed down and stopped at a checkpoint. When it moved again, I caught a glimpse of Liam through the rear window when our bus overtook theirs. He was leaning back in his seat like he owned not just the bus but the road and maybe the entire sky above it too. My fingers tightened on my pen until Lyra’s whisper brushed my mind again.

‘You know he can see you, right?’

I shook my head. “He can keep his eyes on the road, then.”

****

By the time we arrived at the training camp, my legs were stiff, my patience thinner than paper, and my first instinct was to throw myself into a hotel bed and never get up again. But I wasn't too surprised that life wasn’t that merciful.

The players spilled out of their bus like kings returning from battle, all swagger and laughter. My crew carried their equipment, and I tried my best to blend into the background like an unpaid intern.

But that was impossible, obviously, because the second Liam spotted me, his jaw tightened.

He walked right over, blocking my path like we had rehearsed this scene in some badly written drama. “I don’t want you anywhere near me.” His voice was low, but sharp enough to cut glass.

My chest squeezed, but I refused to flinch. “That’s too bad.”

His brows furrowed. “Excuse me?”

I lifted my chin, forcing a smile that was equal parts sweet and dangerous. “See, I’m the only reporter assigned to this team from the national television for frontline coverage. Which means you’re stuck with me whether you like it or not. Unless, of course, you want Ashbourne city to think their golden boy is camera-shy.”

His smirk twitched, and for a moment, I thought he might explode. Instead, he leaned in so close I could smell the faint trace of his minty cologne. “Stay out of my way, Mia. I'm warning you.”

“Deal with it,” I whispered back, before slipping past him.

Lyra chuckled inside me, proud that I stood up for myself, unlike high school days. ‘That’s my girl.’

****

The hotel lobby was buzzing with staff dragging suitcases, coaches barking orders, and players arguing over who got the bigger rooms. My crew checked in easily, picking up keys like this was just another job, while I lingered at the counter, pretending not to notice Liam across the room.

He was already surrounded by teammates, laughing that easy, careless laugh of his that made people forget he was actually a nightmare in human form. The sight alone was enough to twist my stomach, but I held my head high and took the keycard the receptionist offered me.

“Room 304,” she said with a polite smile.

“Thanks,” I murmured, hauling my suitcase toward the elevator.

The lift doors opened with a soft chime, and I stepped inside. Just as they were about to close, a hand shoved between them, forcing them open again.

Liam strolled in like he owned the elevator, pressing the button for his floor without even glancing at me. I could feel the tension in the air even with his back turned to me. My heart pounded against my ribs, Lyra’s presence pressing against me, restless.

‘He’s baiting you. Don’t let him win.’ My wolf persuaded me, but it was too late. I just couldn't stand him.

“I thought you didn't want me anywhere near you,” I spoke up, already hearing him scoff under his breath immediately.

He turned just enough to show his little smirk. “Funny… and here you are.”

I clenched my fists. “You know… just because you’re popular and everyone thinks you’re perfect, that doesn't make you entitled to everything. You’re the most annoying wolf I’ve ever met.”

His smirk widened. “Humour me.”

“That’s the problem already,” I snapped, stepping closer despite my wolf's growl. “Always thinking you’re rich, more privileged, better than everyone else!”

Liam’s brow furrowed, and his frown made him look almost… uncertain. “Am I missing any extra information here?” he demanded.

I rolled my eyes, letting my anger and disgust combine into one shake of the head. “You’re pointless.”

With that, I pressed the elevator button for my floor and strode out, leaving him behind.