9
Riley’s POV
The studio buzzed with quiet energy, a mix of faint chatter, the hum of studio lights, and the click of camera shutters. This was my favorite time of day—the calm before the chaos, when the shoots hadn’t quite kicked into high gear yet, and I could just *be*. Greg’s deep voice echoed from across the room, calling out to one of the interns. “Hey, Cass, adjust that backdrop! The light’s catching wrong on the edge.” He turned toward me, raising an eyebrow as I leaned against one of the steel support beams, fiddling with the settings on my camera. “Riley, you good?” he asked, his tone gruff but familiar. “Always,” I replied with a grin, lifting the camera to my eye to frame a test shot. “Just tweaking for the morning lineup. Who’s first?” “Some big-shot exec who thinks he’s the next GQ model,” Greg said, rolling his eyes. “Just get him to smile without looking like he’s passing a kidney stone, yeah?” I chuckled, already picturing the awkward stiffness I’d have to coax out of him. Greg had been my boss for two years, and his sarcastic humor was one of the things that made the long days bearable. That, and the fact that he trusted me enough to let me take the lead on most shoots. But today… something felt *off*. It started as a prickling sensation at the back of my neck, like a static charge in the air. I lowered my camera, frowning slightly as I scanned the room. The interns were bustling around, adjusting lights and props. Greg was flipping through his schedule on his tablet, muttering to himself. Everything seemed normal. So why did my instincts feel like they were on high alert? “Riley,” Greg called again, pulling me out of my thoughts. “Seriously, man, you’re zoning out. You good?” I forced a smile, shaking off the weird sensation. “Yeah, sorry. Just need coffee.” “Don’t we all,” he grumbled, gesturing toward the break room. “Go. But don’t take too long. Mr. GQ’s arriving in twenty.” I nodded and made my way to the small kitchenette in the back of the studio. As I poured myself a cup of black coffee, the feeling intensified. My senses sharpened, every sound and scent in the room amplifying. The faint smell of perfume from one of the interns. The metallic tang of the lighting equipment. And then, something else—something unfamiliar. A faint, musky scent that didn’t belong. My grip tightened on the coffee mug as my mind raced. It wasn’t human, but it wasn’t a full wolf scent either. It was faint, like it was being masked, but my instincts didn’t care. My muscles tensed, my heartbeat quickened, and my vision honed in as if searching for a threat. I placed the mug down carefully, trying to keep my movements casual. As I stepped back into the studio, Greg was watching me, his sharp eyes narrowing. “You’re acting weird,” he said bluntly, crossing his arms. I hesitated, forcing a laugh. “Weird? I’m always weird, Greg.” “Not like this.” He gestured vaguely toward me. “You’re… I don’t know. Tense. Like you’re about to bolt or something.” I opened my mouth to brush it off, but before I could say anything, the studio door opened, and the smell hit me again—stronger this time. I turned sharply, my gaze locking on the man who walked in. Tall, broad-shouldered, and impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, he looked every bit the corporate exec Greg had described. But his scent told a different story. *Rogue.* The word flashed in my mind like a warning bell. My jaw clenched as I fought to keep my expression neutral. Rogues didn’t usually wander into downtown studios for photo ops. What the hell was he doing here? Greg clapped his hands together, oblivious to the tension rolling off me. “You must be Mr. Carson. Welcome! Riley here will be your photographer today.” I swallowed hard, forcing a polite smile as I stepped forward. “Nice to meet you.” Carson’s gaze flicked to me, and for a split second, something passed between us. Recognition? Challenge? It was gone as quickly as it came, replaced by a practiced smile. “Likewise,” he said smoothly, his voice dripping with corporate charm. As Greg walked him over to the set, I stayed rooted in place, my hands curling into fists at my sides. My instincts were screaming at me, my wolf pacing just beneath the surface. Carson wasn’t just any rogue—he was deliberate, calculated. He knew what he was doing here, and it wasn’t just about a photoshoot. “Riley!” Greg’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. “What are you waiting for? Let’s get this rolling!” I nodded stiffly, grabbing my camera and stepping onto the set. As I adjusted the lighting, Carson watched me, his gaze sharp and unyielding. “You’ve got a good eye,” he said casually, but there was an edge to his tone. “How long have you been doing this?” “Long enough,” I replied shortly, not bothering to look at him. Greg raised an eyebrow at me, clearly noticing my tone, but thankfully, he didn’t say anything. The session started, and I forced myself to focus on the work. Frame the shot. Adjust the angle. Direct the client. But the whole time, I could feel Carson’s eyes on me, his presence a heavy weight in the room. When the shoot finally wrapped, Greg clapped Carson on the shoulder, thanking him for his time. Carson turned to me, holding out his hand. “Thanks for the great session,” he said, his smile sharp. I hesitated for half a second before shaking his hand. His grip was firm, and I couldn’t miss the subtle pressure he applied—just enough to remind me he wasn’t as harmless as he seemed. As soon as he was out the door, Greg rounded on me. “Alright, spill,” he said, crossing his arms. “What the hell was that?” I blinked, feigning confusion. “What was what?” “Don’t play dumb, Riley. You were on edge the entire time, and you looked like you were ready to pounce on the guy. What’s going on?” I hesitated, searching for an explanation that wouldn’t sound completely insane. “I… didn’t like his vibe. He was—” “Riley.” Greg’s voice was sharp, cutting me off. “I know you. You don’t get like this over a bad vibe. What aren’t you telling me?” I opened my mouth, then closed it again, cursing under my breath. Greg had a way of seeing right through me, and I hated it. “It’s nothing,” I said finally, avoiding his gaze. “Just a weird feeling. I’ll shake it off.” Greg studied me for a long moment, then sighed. “Fine. But if you keep acting like this, it’s going to start affecting your work. Whatever’s going on, sort it out.” I nodded mutely, watching as he walked away. My heart was still racing, my wolf still restless. Carson hadn’t just stumbled into the studio by chance. He was here for a reason, and I needed to figure out what it was before it was too late.10Riley’s POV The studio faded into the background as I walked out into the cold air of the city. My thoughts churned, still caught on Carson. Rogues didn’t just show up out of nowhere—especially not ones who reeked of calculation. Whatever his game was, I’d figure it out. For now, though, I had something else to focus on: Ethan. I checked my phone, rereading his text from earlier. He wanted to come over tonight to practice. Just thinking about spending time with him sent a warm flicker through the storm of tension in my chest. Practice might’ve been his priority, but I couldn’t help but feel a little selfish. The way he looked at me when he thought I wasn’t paying attention… the way his knee had brushed mine last night, lingering just long enough to make my pulse jump—he wasn’t as oblivious as he tried to act. And Ava? She’d caught on too. Her teasing only fueled my suspicion that Ethan felt *something*. Not that I was about to push him. Ethan had walls thicker than a steel
11 EthanTwo days before Liam's wedding, nerves had taken over me. I couldn't stop thinking about how badly things could go. What if Liam saw through our plan? What if I messed up? The constant what-ifs had me on edge, and I couldn't focus on anything else, even at work. Clara tried to reassure me, but her words barely made a dent.By the time I got to Riley's place, I was practically vibrating with anxiety. He was relaxed, much more so than I felt, and while I was grateful for his calmness, I couldn't shake the unease. We went shopping to pick out what we needed for the wedding, and despite Riley's attempts to make it fun, I was tense the entire time. People thought we were a couple, which only made me more self-conscious, but Riley handled it smoothly, like this was no big deal.Back at his apartment, with our shopping done, Riley's words about having a plan gave me a sliver of hope. But deep down, I was still terrified. Tomorrow was going to be a lot harder than it seemed. ****
12EthanAs I left Riley’s apartment, my mind still buzzed with everything that had happened. The image of him lifting the coffee table with one hand played on a loop, and his words—sharp, vulnerable, defensive—were etched in my memory.But for now, I needed a break.My house was just next door, a small but cozy place I’d called home for the past three years. As soon as I unlocked the door, Luna, my fluffy gray tabby, bolted toward me, meowing in her usual dramatic way.“Hey, Luna,” I greeted, bending down to scoop her up with one hand, my other hand holding the small bag of clothes I’d brought from Riley’s. She purred immediately, nuzzling her head against my chest.“You missed me, huh?” I said softly, stroking her head. Her soft fur was a comfort I hadn’t realized I needed until now.I kicked the door shut behind me and locked it, still cradling Luna as she settled into my arms like royalty. “You wouldn’t believe the night I’ve had,” I muttered, heading toward the living room.Luna l
13RileyI hadn’t meant for Ethan to notice. Hell, I hadn’t meant to do it. The coffee table incident was a slip, plain and simple—a stupid mistake caused by nerves and too much pent-up energy. But when I saw the way he looked at me, eyes wide and full of questions, I knew I’d messed up.Now, as Ethan sat across from me on the couch, his brows furrowed in that annoyingly determined way, I could feel the tension hanging heavy in the air. My wolf instincts, normally buried deep beneath layers of control, were buzzing—restless, heightened, and far too attuned to him.When he’d brushed my hand earlier, just the lightest touch, it was like a spark had shot through me. Not the kind of spark you’d get from static electricity—no, this was something deeper. Primal.And that was the problem.I couldn’t afford to let my wolf instincts take over, not here, not with him.“Better left alone,” I’d said. It was true—my secrets weren’t just mine to keep. They were a matter of survival. For me. For my p
14EthanThe moment Riley suggested we practice one last time for Liam’s wedding, I was hit with a mix of excitement and soul-crushing nerves. This was my plan—a ridiculous, dramatic, borderline petty plan—but still my plan. And Riley, my next-door neighbor-turned-partner-in-crime, had been nothing but patient, which made me feel a little guilty about dragging him into this.“Ethan,” Riley said, his voice calm and steady, as always. “You’re spiraling again.”“No, I’m not,” I muttered, pacing back and forth in his living room. “I’m… processing.”“You’re panicking,” he corrected, stepping in front of me and placing his hands on my shoulders. His touch was firm but grounding. “Stop stressing yourself out. We’ve got this.”I stared at him, trying to let his confidence seep into me. Riley was always like this—calm, collected, like he had everything under control. It was infuriating and comforting all at once.“Fine,” I sighed, shrugging his hands off. “Let’s go through it again. From the to
15 Riley I headed back to my room after Ethan went to get ready. It hit me that I still hadn’t decided what to wear. Sure, tonight was all about Ethan, but I couldn’t exactly show up looking like I’d just rolled out of bed. The clothes I bought with him were still in the bag on my chair. I pulled them out and held the shirt up to my chest in the mirror. It was nice—sleek, fitted, and way classier than my usual vibe. Perfect for tonight. Still, I was feeling a little... stressed. It wasn’t just about Ethan pulling this off; it was about me not screwing it up. What kind of friend would I be if I let him down now? I quickly got dressed, the jeans fitting just snug enough to make me wonder if I’d eaten too much pizza lately. The shirt, though, was a winner. When I buttoned it up and gave myself a once-over, I had to admit I looked decent. Not that it mattered. “Alright, Riley,” I muttered to myself, pacing my room as I pulled on my shoes. “You’re here to help Ethan, not to stress
16 Ethan We moved toward the grand entrance of the venue, and my jaw nearly dropped at the sight of the place. The towering golden gates framed by ivy, the soft glow of fairy lights hanging from the trees, and the sound of a distant string quartet—it all screamed elegance. Inside, I could already see well-dressed guests milling around, glasses of champagne in hand. I swallowed hard, feeling my stomach churn. My nerves were shot. My hands felt clammy, my heart raced, and I had the sudden, irrational urge to turn and run. God, I was so nervous I felt like peeing and pooping at the same time. My stomach hurt so bad I thought I might actually keel over. Riley, walking confidently beside me, must have noticed my panic because he reached over and grabbed my hand in his own. His grip was firm, warm, and grounding. I turned to look at him, wide-eyed, like a deer caught in headlights. “Breathe,” he said softly, his voice steady. “You’ve got this.” His words, paired with the gentle p
17EthanThe night felt heavier with every passing minute. Despite the laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the casual chatter, my mind was a whirlwind of frustration, confusion, and regret. Riley seemed to notice me withdrawing, but he never stopped being his usual, easygoing self, turning the mood lighter whenever I seemed close to spiraling.“You alright, man?” Riley’s voice broke through the fog of my thoughts. He leaned in, his voice dropping low enough that only I could hear.“Yeah,” I replied, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes. “Just… thinking.”“Don’t let it eat you up,” he said, his tone far too wise for someone my age. “You’ve got two choices, Ethan: You can let this night swallow you, or you can own it. You decide.”I swallowed, looking at him for a moment. “How do you always know the right thing to say?”Riley shrugged, grinning. “It’s a gift. Plus, I’ve had a lot of practice pretending to know what I’m doing.”I laughed. Really laughed. For the first time t
Riley’s POVI woke up to the feeling of warmth pressed against my chest, Ethan’s body curled into mine, his breath steady and slow.For a second, I just lay there, staring at the ceiling, trying to process everything.Holy shit.Last night was… intense. Incredible. Better than I ever could’ve imagined.I glanced down at him. His face was peaceful in sleep, his lips slightly parted, his dark hair a mess from my fingers running through it.God, he was beautiful.I felt a grin creep onto my face.Careful not to wake him, I ran my fingers lightly down his arm, enjoying the way his skin felt beneath my touch. His body shifted slightly, and I heard a sleepy groan escape him.“Mmm… what time is it?” he muttered, his voice raspy from sleep.I glanced at the clock on my nightstand. “Almost ten.”He groaned again, burying his face into my chest. “Too early.”I laughed softly. “Too early? After everything we did last night, I’d say we got plenty of rest.”He peeked up at me, his eyes still heavy
Riley’s POVI woke up to the feeling of warmth pressed against my chest, Ethan’s body curled into mine, his breath steady and slow.For a second, I just lay there, staring at the ceiling, trying to process everything.Holy shit.Last night was… intense. Incredible. Better than I ever could’ve imagined.I glanced down at him. His face was peaceful in sleep, his lips slightly parted, his dark hair a mess from my fingers running through it.God, he was beautiful.I felt a grin creep onto my face.Careful not to wake him, I ran my fingers lightly down his arm, enjoying the way his skin felt beneath my touch. His body shifted slightly, and I heard a sleepy groan escape him.“Mmm… what time is it?” he muttered, his voice raspy from sleep.I glanced at the clock on my nightstand. “Almost ten.”He groaned again, burying his face into my chest. “Too early.”I laughed softly. “Too early? After everything we did last night, I’d say we got plenty of rest.”He peeked up at me, his eyes still heavy
31RileyI didn’t sleep after that.Neither did Ethan, but he at least pretended to. I could hear him shifting under the blankets, the tension in his breathing giving him away. I lay still, staring at the ceiling, every muscle in my body tight. That sound in the hallway—it hadn’t been nothing. Someone had been there. Watching. Waiting.And I had a damn good idea who.By the time evening rolled around, I was done waiting for answers to come to us. If someone wanted to play games, I was going to beat them at it.Ethan was still half-asleep when I slipped out of the apartment, pulling on my jacket. I didn’t tell him where I was going—he’d only try to stop me.I needed to check my apartment again. Alone.The place was just as trashed as I’d left it. Papers still littered the floor, furniture overturned, the scent of dust and old whiskey lingering in the air. But as I stepped inside, something else hit me. A scent that didn’t belong.It was faint. Almost buried under everything else. But t
?$$! 31Jane tapped her screen, opening her social media app. Her fingers flew across the keyboard, crafting the perfect post:Jane Cooper:"Betrayal cuts the deepest when it comes from someone you once trusted. After years of sacrifice, I was on the verge of securing the biggest deal of my career—until my ex-husband, Dylan, ruined everything out of petty jealousy. He couldn’t handle my success, so he made sure I lost it all. Some men just can’t stand to see a woman rise above them."She paused, rereading the words. They were strong, but they weren’t enough. She needed to twist the knife deeper. With a wicked gleam in her eyes, she continued:"And while I’ve been rebuilding from the damage he caused, he’s been doing just fine—thanks to Helen Nelson’s generosity. It’s funny, isn’t it? Some men will do anything to avoid earning their own way in life."Lisa let out a low whistle. “Savage. I love it.”Jane stared at the post for a moment longer, then, with a satisfied smirk, hit Post.31
RileyEthan was avoiding me.Not obviously—not in a way that anyone else would notice—but I knew.He was quieter than usual. Fidgety. Kept his eyes on the TV but wasn’t actually watching. His fingers tapped against his knee like his thoughts were running too fast, like he couldn’t settle. And most importantly? He wasn’t looking at me. Not really.Which was funny, considering how, just minutes ago, he’d been pulling me down on top of him like he wanted me to ruin him.I smirked at the thought, shifting on the couch, letting my arm drape over the back of it—casual, easy. Ethan didn’t move away, but he didn’t lean into it, either.Interesting.“You’re thinking too much again,” I murmured, voice low.He tensed, a flicker of something crossing his face. “Am not.”I chuckled. “Liar.”That got me a glare, but it was half-hearted at best. His lips parted like he wanted to say something else, but then he stopped himself, shaking his head and focusing back on the screen.Right. That was enough
Ethan I didn’t move at first. Didn’t breathe. Didn’t think. Because Riley was kissing me. Again. And just like the first time—just like at the wedding—I didn’t stop him. My brain barely had time to catch up before my body betrayed me, melting into the kiss like I’d been waiting for it. Maybe I had. His lips were firm, sure, like he already knew I wouldn’t pull away. Like he was daring me to push him off but knowing I wouldn’t. Because I never did. I wasn’t bold like him. I hesitated, second-guessed, let my thoughts get in the way of everything. But Riley? He just did what he wanted. Took what he wanted. And right now… He wanted me. The realization sent a shock through me, made my fingers curl into his hoodie, holding onto him as his hand slid to the back of my neck. He wasn’t letting me go. And hell, I wasn’t sure I wanted him to. But then— The microwave beeped. Loud. Obnoxious. Ruining everything. Riley pulled back first, but he didn’t go far. Just enough to smirk, his
EthanI didn’t move at first.Didn’t breathe.Didn’t think.Because Riley was kissing me. Again.And just like the first time—just like at the wedding—I didn’t stop him.My brain barely had time to catch up before my body betrayed me, melting into the kiss like I’d been waiting for it. Maybe I had. His lips were firm, sure, like he already knew I wouldn’t pull away. Like he was daring me to push him off but knowing I wouldn’t.Because I never did.I wasn’t bold like him. I hesitated, second-guessed, let my thoughts get in the way of everything. But Riley? He just did what he wanted. Took what he wanted.And right now…He wanted me.The realization sent a shock through me, made my fingers curl into his hoodie, holding onto him as his hand slid to the back of my neck. He wasn’t letting me go. And hell, I wasn’t sure I wanted him to.But then—The microwave beeped.Loud. Obnoxious. Ruining everything.Riley pulled back first, but he didn’t go far. Just enough to smirk, his breath fanning
31RileyI didn’t sleep after that.Neither did Ethan, but he at least pretended to. I could hear him shifting under the blankets, the tension in his breathing giving him away. I lay still, staring at the ceiling, every muscle in my body tight. That sound in the hallway—it hadn’t been nothing. Someone had been there. Watching. Waiting.And I had a damn good idea who.By the time evening rolled around, I was done waiting for answers to come to us. If someone wanted to play games, I was going to beat them at it.Ethan was still half-asleep when I slipped out of the apartment, pulling on my jacket. I didn’t tell him where I was going—he’d only try to stop me.I needed to check my apartment again. Alone.The place was just as trashed as I’d left it. Papers still littered the floor, furniture overturned, the scent of dust and old whiskey lingering in the air. But as I stepped inside, something else hit me. A scent that didn’t belong.It was faint. Almost buried under everything else. But t
35Ethan“I can’t slow down! This is GOLD!” she interrupted, her laughter bubbling through the phone. “Hold on, I’m sending you a link. No, actually, put me on speaker. Riley has to hear this!”I glanced at Riley, who was already looking at me with raised eyebrows. With a sigh, I hit the speaker button. “You’re on,” I said.“RILEY!” Ava shouted, her excitement palpable. “Check your phone right now! It’s all over Twitter, TikTok, everything! Liam’s wedding is the *scandal* of the year!”Riley’s eyes widened, and he immediately pulled out his phone, his fingers flying over the screen. “Wait, no way,” he muttered, his expression shifting as he scrolled. Then, suddenly, he let out a bark of laughter. “Oh my God. She’s right. Ethan, you have to see this.”“What are you looking at?” I asked, still trying to process everything.“The hashtags are insane,” Riley said, turning his phone to show me the screen. “‘#LiamLiar,’ ‘#OwenDeservesBetter,’ ‘#WeddingGoneWrong’—dude, you’re *everywhere*.”