Rissa
Bright sunlight streamedthrough my bedroom window, coaxing me awake. I stretched, a grin spreading across my face. First day of school. First real day back in Stock Creek as someone other than just Gavin's little sister.
I rolled out of bed, my body thrumming with excitement. Last year, I taught third graders, but this time, I was teaching pre-K. Right where my heart belonged. Nurturing those little minds and watching them grow and discover the world filled me with purpose.
In the bathroom, I splashed cold water on my face. My reflection stared back at me. Dark hair mussed from sleep, brown eyes bright. But despite the excitement bubbling in my chest, something felt off.
Nathan's face flashed in my mind. The pack alpha. It had been a week and a half since I last saw him at the pack barbeque. That should have been enough time to forget the way he looked at me. The way he felt too real, too big, too dangerous in my carefully constructed world.
I gripped the sink, my knuckles turning white. "Stop it," I muttered. "He's not for you. Focus on what matters."
Teaching. Shaping young lives. That was what I wanted. Not my brother’s alpha wolf who made my pulse race and my defenses rise. I had been down that road before and lost everything. Never again.
I took a deep breath and squared my shoulders. Today was about new beginnings, not dwelling on things that could never be. I had a job to do, and I was damn well going to do it right.
Shaking off thoughts of Nathan, I focused on getting ready. I left my long black hair down and applied minimal makeup—just enough to look presentable. I chose a simple blouse and black slacks. Professional but not trying too hard. It's not like I needed to impress anyone. This was about the kids, not me.
I grabbed my messenger bag and headed out the door. The heart of the small mountain town pulsed with energy. Shopkeepers flipped their signs to "Open." The scent of fresh bread drifted from the bakery. A group of children with their book bags hurried toward the school gates. Stock Creek Elementary came into view a few minutes later, its brick facade glowing warmly under the rising sun.
A sense of homecoming washed over me as I pulled into the parking lot. It had been years since I’d stepped into a school that truly felt like home.
I walked through the quiet halls. Anticipation thrummed through my veins as I unlocked the door to my classroom. My space. A sanctuary waiting to be filled with bright young minds.
I flicked on the light, taking it all in. The low tables, the tiny chairs, the shelves waiting to be filled with picture books and art supplies. A blank canvas ready for me to paint with knowledge and nurturing.
Rolling up my sleeves, I dove in. I arranged the tables into workstations around the edge of the room, leaving the middle for story time and music. I loved music. I used it to help teach.Kids responded well to creative outlets. In the reading corner, I placed a colorful rug and plump cushions.
As I worked, my mind drifted to the kids I would soon meet. The shy ones who would need gentle coaxing. The rambunctious ones who would keep me on my toes. Each one special and bursting with potential.
This was why I became a teacher. This feeling right here, as I created a space for learning and growth. A safe haven where kids could be themselves and discover the wonders of the world.
By the time I finished, the room was transformed. Bright colors, welcoming nooks, everything in its place. Pride swelled in my chest. This was more than a job. This was a calling. And I was exactly where I was meant to be.
A knock at the door startled me out of my reverie. I turned to see a handsome man leaning against the doorframe, an easygoing smile on his olive-toned face. Dark hair, friendly brown eyes. He looked like a guy who probably coached little league on weekends.
"You must be the new pre-K teacher," he said warmly.
I nodded, stepping forward to shake his hand. "That's me. Rissa Mitchell."
"Max Dunn. I teach fifth grade. Welcome to Stock Creek Elementary." His grip was firm, his smile genuine. "You're going to love it here. The kids are great."
I returned his smile. Max had an easy charm, the kind of laid-back charisma that instantly put people at ease. However, he didn’t set my soul on fire like Nathan did. My wolf wasn’t interested.
"I'm looking forward to meeting them," I said, glancing around my freshly set-up classroom. "I've been preparing all morning."
Max chuckled. "I can tell. Your room looks amazing." He leaned in conspiratorially. "Word of advice? If you ever need help handling the parents, I take bribes in the form of baked goods."
I laughed, appreciating the instant camaraderie. "I'll keep that in mind. Chocolate chip cookies are my specialty."
Max grinned. "I knew I liked you. But seriously, if you need anything, just ask. We're a tight-knit bunch here."
Warmth bloomed in my chest. After the upheaval of the past few years, it felt good to be welcomed so openly. To feel like I might belong somewhere again.
The first bell rang, signaling the start of morning drop-off. Max straightened up from the doorframe. "That's our cue. Ready to meet your new charges?"
I took a deep breath, excitement and nerves fluttering in my stomach. "As I'll ever be."
Together, Max and I headed outside to greet the arriving students. Tiny hands clutched oversized backpacks, eyes wide with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. I remembered that feeling well from my own first days of school.
