New Rules
Before school had started that morning, Marcus stopped Logan outside the gates. Logan was scowling as usual, but his posture was tense, still remembering the night in the park where Marcus's single word had forced him to his knees.
Marcus's eyes flashed red for just a moment as he leaned closer.
Marcus: "One more rule. You don't touch my friends. No bullying Vasco, Jinho, Duke, or anyone I say is off-limits. Got it?"
Logan: ((snarling)) "Tch… you really think you can—" ((his body had gone stiff against his will, his jaw locking; then he growled lowly)) ".Fine. But don't expect me to play nice with everyone, punk."
Marcus: "I don't care if you like them. Just don't touch them. Or you'll regret it."
Logan's fists tightened, but he nodded begrudgingly.
School Trouble
Later that morning, some of Logan's old goons had spotted Jinho and Duke walking near the stairwell. Smirking, they moved in, ready to give them a beating like always.
Goon #1: "Well, look who we got here. The weaklings."
Goon #2: (cracking knuckles) "Been a while since we reminded you where you stand."
Jinho and Duke tensed up. But before either of the goons could throw a punch, Logan suddenly appeared, grabbing one of them by the collar and slamming him against the wall.
Logan: growling, "Did I say you could touch them?"
Goon #1: (shocked) "B-Boss? What the hell—? These losers—"
Logan: "Shut it. They're off-limits. You got a problem with that?"
The hallway fell dead silent. The other students froze, whispering. Logan Lee defending Jinho and Duke? That was unheard of.
Jinho blinked, shocked. Duke gave Logan a wary look, puzzled but not about to argue.
Duke: "Why's Logan suddenly protecting us? What the hell happened to him?"
Cafeteria Talk
At lunch, Vasco sat across from Marcus and Jace, his expression serious.
Vasco: "Something's off. Logan's acting.different. He stopped his own guys from messing with Duke and Jinho today. That's not Logan."
Jace: He's probably just bored with teasing them now. Don't make it sound like he grew a conscience.
Vasco: (hunches, whispers) "Maybe it has to do with… last night."
Marcus stopped mid-bite, his expression unreadable.
Jace: (snapping) "Enough already. Werewolves don't exist. What we saw—it could've been something else. A trick, an experiment, anything."
Vasco: (frowning) "I know what I saw. And if Marcus… if he's part of this somehow—"
Marcus: (cutting him off, with calm sharpness) "Drop it."
The table fell silent; Jace frowned, Vasco looked torn, but Marcus's tone ended the discussion.
Detective Han So-Ra
Another turn of events on that day occurred when a sharp, authoritative voice reverberated throughout the main hall.
Voice: "All students, return to class immediately."
In walked Detective Han So-Ra, commanding. She was dressed in plain clothes, but her badge was visible at her hip. The scar on her shoulder was almost unnoticeable, but her eyes were sharp, scanning every nook and corner of the school like a hawk.
Teacher: "Detective Han is here to ask some questions regarding the… animal attacks in the area."
Pupils murmured nervously, whispering.
But Marcus narrowed his eyes.
Marcus: "Animal attacks? That was weeks ago. Why are the cops only showing up now? Unless… there's more going on."
Detective Han stopped in the middle of the hall, her gaze briefly sweeping over him. For one second, he could have sworn her eyes lingered-like something stirred within her.
Han So-Ra: "There. That boy. his scent. Why does it feel familiar?"
She didn't say anything, but the tension in her posture gave Marcus the unnerving impression that she knew more than she let on.
After School
At the sound of the bell, Marcus saw Logan standing by the gates, with his characteristic scowl.
Logan: (muttering) "Your stupid rules are messing with me, punk. My guys don't get why I'm backing down, and I look weak."
Marcus shrugged. "That is your problem. Just remember: no killing, no turning, no touching my friends. Got it?"
Logan's body twitched again, as if invisible chains forced him into compliance. He growled, fists clenched, but he slightly bowed his head. Logan: "…Yeah. Got it. But don't forget—I'm still me. I don't take orders forever." Marcus said nothing but stared at him, flashing his red eyes for a moment. Marcus: "You'll take mine." Logan looked away, his jaw tight. Meanwhile, Detective Han So-Ra lingered outside the school, watching the students leave. Her instincts were screaming at her; something was not right here. Han So-Ra (to herself): "One of them… one of these kids is connected to the bite. I can feel it. And I'll find out who."