96

KATHERINE

When we arrived at the pack grounds, I wasted no time slipping out of Bryson’s car. The rain had soaked me thoroughly, but I was too on edge to care. I kept my head down, moving swiftly past the parking lot toward the entrance, my thoughts a jumble. Bryson didn’t say anything as I left, just watched me retreat.

Once inside, I shut the door firmly and leaned against it, my pulse racing.

The storm outside had picked up, the rain hammering against the windows, but all I could hear was the rush of blood in my ears- the adrenaline..

I made my way to the bathroom, peeling off my wet clothes and stepping into the shower. The hot water cascaded over me, washing away the tension, the cold, and the anxiety that had been eating at me since I’d followed Bryson. For a few moments, I just stood there, letting the water soothe me.

Afterward, I wrapped myself in a towel and collapsed onto my bed, feeling utterly drained.

My mind wouldn’t stop racing, replaying the events of the night. I