The gymnasium erupted with shocked gasps as every pair of eyes turned toward Kimi. She stood her ground, completely unfazed by the attention, and hurled the basketball directly at Kolton. His intense gaze locked onto hers as he effortlessly caught the ball, his eyes blazing with fury.
"How dare you speak to my boyfriend that way?" Stella's shrill voice cut through the stunned silence like a blade.
Kimi spun around to find Stella marching toward her, flanked by her usual entourage of followers. Olive and Rylie immediately jumped to their feet, positioning themselves protectively behind Kimi.
"Who do you think you are? Do you have any idea what he's capable of doing to someone with your pathetic delusions of courage? He could destroy you in an instant and have you banished from this pack forever," Stella snarled, her face twisted with rage.
The referee's sharp whistle pierced the air, demanding the players return to the court as precious time ticked away.
