The next morning was chaos.
By the time Aarvin entered the school courtyard, students were already whispering loudly.
"Liam didn't show up today either."
"Zane talked to Riyan's brother."
"Something big is coming."
"Maybe the Wolves will fight the Hales."
Aarvin felt sick.
He didn't want a gang war.
He didn't want anyone fighting for him.
He just wanted to study and survive quietly.
But rumors in Oakridge High spread faster than truth.
The Wolves Make a Move
Second period.
Just when the teacher left, the classroom door opened.
Zane Lockhart walked in.
Not angry.
Not loud.
Just… present.
Everyone fell silent.
He walked straight to Aarvin's desk.
Aarvin tensed.
His heartbeat thundered in his ears.
Zane put a hand on the desk and said calmly:
"You're coming with me."
Aarvin froze.
"I—I didn't do anything."
Zane's expression didn't change.
"Exactly. That's why I want to talk."
Before Aarvin could respond, Zane added—
"Relax. If I wanted to hurt you, I wouldn't do it in front of thirty witnesses."
Nervous laughter spread across the class.
Aarvin stood slowly.
Elena grabbed his sleeve and whispered,
"Don't go. Please."
Zane looked at her.
"You're Elena Cross, right? Don't worry. He'll be back."
She didn't believe him.
Neither did Aarvin.
Inside the Wolves' Den
Zane led Aarvin to a secluded part of the school—
a quiet hallway behind the gym.
Three other members of the Iron Wolves waited there.
Aarvin's legs trembled.
Zane leaned against the wall.
"Let's make things clear," he said.
"I don't care about your brother. I don't care about your reputation."
He stepped closer.
"But anyone who can put Liam on the floor… even by accident… is someone I want to keep an eye on."
Aarvin shook his head quickly.
"I'm not joining anything. I don't want problems."
Zane smirked slightly.
"That's exactly what makes you interesting."
One of the Wolves added,
"You're different from Riyan. That's a good thing."
Aarvin didn't know if it was good or terrifying.
Zane continued:
"We're not asking you to fight. We're asking you to stay smart. People are watching you now."
Aarvin exhaled shakily.
"I didn't choose any of this."
"No one does," Zane said quietly.
"Not in Oakridge."
Then Zane gave a final warning—
"If anyone touches you again… they won't be dealing with Riyan."
His eyes narrowed.
"They'll deal with me."
Aarvin didn't know whether it was protection…
or a threat.
Maybe it was both.
But one thing was clear—
He was no longer just Riyan's brother.
He was now involved with the Iron Wolves…
whether he wanted to be or not.
And the storm that would ruin his life…
had finally begun to form.