Chapter 7 Clash of Bloodlines: The Return of Tessa Sinclair

“Thank you, Grandpa.” Tessa felt a rare warmth in her heart. Grandpa was the only one in the family who believed in her unconditionally, no strings attached. “Child, what’s the need for thanks between us?” Walter Sinclair said with a gentle smile. “Edmund, prepare a room for Tessie.” His mood visibly improved just seeing her. “Lila, handle Tessa’s school transfer tomorrow.” “Dad, Tessa was expelled five years ago. I doubt any school will take her now,” Lila replied hesitantly. This wasn’t Falindale, where money alone could secure Tessa a place in a school. “She’ll transfer to Navoris High,” Walter said, ignoring Lila’s protests. “Dad, do you think Navoris High is a supermarket anyone can walk into? It’s the most competitive high school in Navoris! Even Winnie had to rely on her own hard work to get in.” “Grandpa, you don’t need to trouble yourself with my affairs,” Tessa said calmly. She had come back to Navoris and to the Sinclair estate only to see him. “Besides, I have my own place to stay. I won’t live here.” Walter’s expression darkened at her words. “Tessa, as I’ve said, no one can bully you while I’m here. Everything in the Sinclair family will one day depend on you.” “Grandpa, what does she have to offer?” Winona sneered. “All she knows is how to fight and hang around with lowly Rogues.” “You insolent child!” Walter’s voice thundered, and the room filled with the weight of his Alpha’s Presence. Everyone froze, holding their breath, too afraid to say another word. “Winona, if you say one more thing, I’ll throw you out of the Sinclair family and the Frostmoon Pack!” Walter roared. “What, has my word lost its authority after just five years away?” Walter Sinclair had been the Frostmoon Pack’s alpha until five years ago. He had passed the title to his grandson Cedric before departing to join the Wolf Clan’s elite forces in their battle against the Vampire Clan at the border. Now, after the Wolf Clan’s victory, Walter had returned. Although no longer the official alpha, his strength and status commanded unwavering respect, especially with his war-earned honors. “Tessa, are you also refusing to listen to me?” Walter turned his attention back to her, his tone softer but no less resolute. “Grandpa, I—” Tessa faltered. If it had been anyone else, she wouldn’t have hesitated to reject them outright. But this was her grandfather, the one person who had always stood by her. “Fine, I’ll go to Navoris High,” she finally agreed. If this is Grandpa’s last hope, I’ll do it. “But I won’t live here,” she added firmly. Staying under the same roof with people she despised wasn’t something she could tolerate—she might actually kill them. “That’s fine,” Walter relented. “I won’t force you. But since you just returned tonight, spend one night here with me.” Tessa nodded in agreement. “It’s late, Grandpa. You should rest. I’ll stay around for the next few days to keep you company,” she said gently, not wanting to disappoint him further. “Good. I’m getting old. I just want to see my family living in harmony,” Walter said, his voice heavy with meaning, before heading upstairs. After Walter left, Lila took Edmund to prepare a room for Tessa. In the living room, only Tessa and Winona remained. Winona studied Tessa carefully. She seems different now, she thought. But no matter how much Tessa had changed, she was still the same useless girl she had been five years ago. Back then, Tessa had been the weakest werewolf in the Sinclair family—easy to bully and too timid to fight back. Now, five years later, she was still a powerless failure, nearly an adult and yet still unable to awaken her wolf. Winona, on the other hand, had awakened her wolf three years ago. Taking down someone like Tessa would be as easy as squashing an ant. “Tessa, I can’t believe you had the nerve to come back. Are you looking to get kicked out again?” With Walter no longer present, Winona’s true nature emerged, her words dripping with cruelty and venom far beyond her years. Tessa calmly pulled a piece of gum from her pocket, unwrapped it, and popped it into her mouth before speaking. “Winona, the same way you kicked me out of the Sinclair family and Frostmoon Pack back then, I’ll do the same to you,” Tessa said coolly. With that, she turned and walked upstairs. Winona was livid. How dare this powerless waste speak to me like that? She glared daggers at Tessa’s retreating figure. Just you wait, Tessa. You’ll regret coming back. I’ll make sure of it.