I lay cocooned in blankets on the couch in front of the TV. I decided to bolt during lunch. I even had to bribe the janitor for the keys to get out of school. It's Friday, so who cares."Catherine, dear. You can't just lay in front of the TV for the rest of the weekend. If your father finds out that you skipped school to watch," my mother pauses as she watches the scene. She turns back to me with a slight frown. "If he finds out that you stayed home to watch some animation, he is not going to be happy. Just get up. Go touch some grass," she says and tugs the blankets. The blankets are wrapped tightly around me, causing her to stumble backward when she tries to pull the blanket off me."Let me be, please Mum?" I whine while I pull the blankets tighter around me. My mother grabs the corner of another blanket and yanks it. I almost fall off the couch and have to grab the armrest to support myself. This woman got some strength in those scrawny arms."There's a party tonight. Don't you want
I sneak down the stairs, trying to not wake my parents. My dad came back late last night and he sounded exhausted, so he needs the rest. Oliver has not come home yet from Tyler's party. I wonder if he stayed at the pack house or Cora’s.I quietly open the front door and lock it behind me. Oliver will have to wake my parents to get into the house. It will inevitably lead to him being reprimanded for breaking the curfew. If he gets grounded, that will be a bonus.As I got ready to leave, I remembered that there is a bicycle in the garage. In the original story, Kate rode a bicycle to school sometimes. I wonder if it is still there. I hope so.I open the garage door with no noise and walk in. There it is in the corner. I leap over some boxes to get to the bicycle. I am running late, but I might make it on time with the bike. I maneuver the bike out of the garage and close the garage door.I plug my earphones in and hit shuffle on my playlist, hopping onto my bike and strolling through the
I take the phone and see that it is a video. I dart my eyes back to him, confusion flashing across my face. He presses play and the video starts.It is a video of what happened between Tyler and me. I close one eye as I cringe when Tyler kisses me. I realize the angle was from around the corner of the hall. As soon as I disappear from the video, the recording stops. I give the phone back to Jake, scratching my eyebrow."I saw your car in the parking lot. I knew you were there, but you recorded it. Does he know you did that?" I ask in a whisper. Jake shakes his head."If he knew, he would've forced me to delete it." He looks over my shoulder at the house, afraid that Tyler might hear us. I bite my lip."So you knew what truly happened?""Yes. I can't stand watching you suffer because of him, but he forced me. It was all a set-up. I don't-""I know. I might look daft, but I got that part figured out. What I don't understand is why did you record it?" Jake puts the phone on the table and
I shiver when the cold wind brushes past me. Autumn is around the corner. I don't know for how long I will be able to sit outside. It would also be a good idea to start wearing a jacket.I pull the lunch I packed for myself out of my bag. Since I am not getting my food from the cafeteria anymore, I had to start packing food for myself. It's not the tortilla roll-ups, but this will have to do. I cannot function properly if I don't have something to eat.I pull my phone from my back pocket and glance at the screen. The changes I made caused the story to deviate completely from the original story and so far it has been getting out of hand. I asked the author to fill me in on the outcomes of the changes, but there has been no answer.And nice work on the author's side. They decided to get rid of Max by letting him move away. Why does he get an easy way out of his scandal, but I have to face the consequences? That is what I call lazy writing.With a sigh, I look around at the few students w
I frown at the guy next to me and he turns the phone to me. Before he has to press play, I recognize the video. Oh shit! I told him not to leak the video. He is in serious trouble. He has to get away from here as soon as possible. What were you thinking Jake? Tyler is going to kill him. I have to find him.In Art class, I bite my bottom lip while staring at the door. If Jake doesn't show up to class, he is dead. I hope he got away. The last students enter the class and the teacher greets us.Where is Jake? Shit Jake, don't do this to me. Please don't let him die. He is the closest thing to a friend I have. I need to find him.I put my hand in the air to get Miss T's attention. She gives me permission to go to the restroom and I scramble out of the class. I need to find Jake. Where do I even start?First, check whether he is still here. I run toward the exit and search through the parking lot.His car is still here, but Tyler's is gone. Would he take Jake out into the woods to kill him?
I'm at Cora's tonight. Mum and Dad just texted me that they have a business dinner to attend tonight. Get yourself something to eat.Wow, what a coincidence. Everyone is away while Jake and I are home alone. Since everyone is gone for tonight, I might as well park Jake's car in the driveway. I don't want the car to be towed away.After I park the car, I order two large pizzas as I make my way up the stairs to my room.The door creaks open silently and I see Jake clutching the blanket around him, fast asleep. Is he cold? I crouch next to the bed and place my hand against his forehead. He doesn't have a fever which is a good sign, but he is covered in goosebumps. I throw another blanket over him.I decide to take a quick shower. I grab an oversized t-shirt and long pajama pants. I enter the bathroom and see the mess I made earlier with the first aid kit. I sigh, making a mental note to remember to put all of that back.After I'm done, I clean everything up and put the first aid kit on m
His answer seems simple, but it confuses me even more. His eyes meet mine and there is a sincere look in his eyes. I keep his gaze and we stay like that for a few minutes. I notice that he has green spots in his brown eyes. I would cast him as the alpha. He is way more attractive than Tyler. And nicer. Jake gives me a smirk and I avert my eyes. I feel a blush making its way up my cheeks and I stand up, retrieving the first aid kit.Seriously, Emily? You cannot start liking this guy. You're going to die in any way."I should replace those bandages. I don't want those wounds to get infected." I sit on my knees on the bed, inching closer to see which distance Jake feels comfortable with. He is more conscious than before, so I doubt that I will get away with being as close as before.I stop when Jake is within arm’s reach. This is not too close and Jake does not seem to be bothered.I remove the bandages from his forehead and cheek. I need to put them somewhere and the nightstand is the c
"Kate, wait up," Allison calls from behind me. I pivot to her with my sports bag over my shoulder. She hurries over to me with parts of cardboard boxes in her arms. What is she going to do with that?"Yeah?" I take a subtle look at my watch. I still have volleyball practice. I turn my eyes to her while I cross my arms.She invited me to sit with them when lunch arrived, asking like it was just another day. She never apologized for throwing me away or for believing Tyler instead of me. She assumes we are best buds again, forgetting what had happened."A few of us are making signs for the game tonight. You are welcome to join us tonight." She sounds excited. I was not aware of the game tonight. I'm also guessing that the "us" refers to the other girls from the pack."I'll see." I turn and start to the back of the school where the volleyball court is. She grabs my arm and pulls me back to her. I look at her with an arched brow."Why are you like this? You didn't talk to me during lunch. Y
The doorbell rings just as I take a sip of my morning tea, the warmth of it still lingering in my hands. I set the mug down and make my way to the door.When I swing it open, Cora stands there, beaming, her arms full of garment bags and makeup pouches. “Morning, girl! Ready to make me look like a goddess?” she teases, stepping inside before I can even answer.I laugh and shut the door behind her. “You already do. But, of course, I’ll work my magic.”We got the day off for prom and the house is buzzing with energy. My mum is in the kitchen with Cora’s mum, chatting over tea and biscuits. We take over the sitting room with our dresses, heels, and endless supplies of makeup and hair products.Cora carefully unzips the garment bag, revealing her emerald green dress. It’s stunning/ It is tight-fitting with an elegant neckline, hugging her curves in all the right places. She holds it up against herself, grinning. “What do you think?”I give her an approving nod. “You’re going to steal the
After my shower, I tiptoe to my walk-in closet. I grab some fluffy pajamas before stepping back into the room. The warm glow of my bedside lamp casts long shadows against the walls. The air is cool against my damp skin. Jake is still sitting on my bed, quiet as always. His gaze is sharp, tracking me as I move.He looks exhausted. More so than usual. There is a tiredness settled into his shoulders. I don’t say anything at first. Instead, I climb onto the bed beside him. I lay down with a sigh before shifting closer. Without thinking, I wrap an arm around his legs and hold him where he sits. He stiffens for half a second, exhales, and relaxes slightly into my touch. His body is warm and solid. Safe. I never knew he had such thick thighs. Super hot.He doesn’t pull away and I don’t loosen my hold. It’s comfortable, natural like I belong tucked against his side.For a moment, my mind drifts back to where we started. How different everything was before. How, just a few months ago, I woul
The box sits on my bed, still unopened. The curiosity buzzes inside me and it feels almost unbearable. I carefully remove the wrapping and open the box. Inside is a dress.And it is breathtaking.The fabric is soft and delicate, almost ethereal, the color a muted cream that seems to shimmer as it catches the light. The dress looks like something out of an old movie from the 1900s. It is elegant and timeless. The long sleeves are sheer and lace-trimmed. The neckline is high with a beautiful cut. There’s something vintage about it, something otherworldly. I run my fingers over the delicate lace at the collar and the silk of the bodice, and I can already tell it will feel like a dream to wear.I slip out of my clothes, letting the dress fall gently over me. It is a bit bigger, so it hangs a bit loosely, but it still looks perfect. I turn in front of the mirror, taking it all in. The flow of the skirt as it billows around my feet, the way the lace on the sleeves gives the whole look an
Cora stands in front of my full-length mirror, smoothing down the emerald-green fabric of her prom dress. She turns slightly to check the fit from every angle before she looks over her shoulder at me.“Well?” she asks with a wide grin.I lean against my bed frame, legs crossed beneath me, and tilt my head. “You look absolutely gorgeous.”Cora beams, giving the skirt a little spin so it flares out around her. “I knew this was the one. The color isn’t too much, right?”“Not at all,” I assure her. “It’s perfect on you. The green makes your eyes look even brighter.”She studies herself for another moment, then sighs happily. “I can’t believe prom is Wednesday. It’s actually happening.”I smile at her excitement, but she catches something in my expression. She turns to me, hands on her hips. “What about you? What are you wearing?”I pause. “I… don’t know yet.”Her brows knit together. “Kate. It’s Monday.”“I’m aware,” I say lightly, but the truth is, I hadn’t really given it much thought.
I sit on the edge of the bed, staring at the door Kate just walked through. The weight of her words hits me harder than I expected. She gave up prom for me. It’s a small thing, a silly high school tradition, but the fact that she’s so ready to give it up for my pack, for the chaos and danger we’re facing... it hits me deep. I know she wasn’t all that keen on going, but there was a part of me that saw the way her eyes lit up when I mentioned it. She didn’t even hesitate before throwing it all away.Kate’s so different from Blaire in every way that matters. Where Blaire is all about her own plans, her own agenda, Kate never asks for anything in return. It’s like she’s made of something soft and rare. Something that makes my wolf restless, wanting to protect her, to give her everything. I’ve been fighting it to some degree despite knowing that Kate is my mate. Despite knowing she is nothing like Blaire. I cannot deny it anymore. I love her. It’s a truth so loud inside my chest that I c
Jake pulls into the driveway, the car’s engine winding down to a quiet stop. I glance over at Jake, who gives me a small nod before getting out of the car. I take a deep breath as I feel the weight of the evening finally settle on me.I head inside, slipping off my shoes by the door. The house is quiet, but it’s the kind of peaceful that feels right after a long day. There is a smell of something my mum must’ve been cooking earlier and I smile at the thought of her. I make my way upstairs, my steps soft on the wooden floorboards.Outside her room, I stop and knock lightly. There’s no answer, but I know she’s in there. I push the door open slowly and peek inside.Mum’s lying in bed with her eyes closed, but I can tell she’s not asleep. She is just worn out from everything. The volleyball game, the lunch out... it’s all added up.I walk over to the bed and sit down beside her, reaching for the blankets to adjust them. I tuck her in carefully. She opens her eyes, looking at me with a tir
I sit in the passenger seat of Jake’s truck, the engine rumbling softly beneath us. His hands grip the steering wheel with white knuckles and I can see the tension in his jaw. Since we left the house, he’s barely spoken, but I can feel his worry radiating off him."Jake," I murmur, reaching over to touch his arm. "I’ll be fine. Really."He glances over at me, his brows furrowed. I can sense him holding back. He’s scared. I know it. He’s always been the protector, the one who takes care of everyone. I don’t want him to feel he must protect me right now."I know," he says quietly, though the doubt laces his voice. "I just don’t like this." His hands leave the steering wheel and rest on his lap. My hand reaches over and I take his hand into mine.I lean over and place a soft kiss on the cheek, trying to reassure him. “You’ll be right here with me,” I say, meeting his gaze. “I’ll keep the phone on. You can listen in.”For a moment, his eyes soften, but I can see he still isn’t convinced.
The gym is packed. The energy is electric, the squeak of sneakers on polished floors mixing with the cheers from the stands. My heart pounds. Not from nerves, but from adrenaline. We are two points away from winning and the entire team feels it. Cora stands at the back, ready, her sharp eyes locked on the opposing team’s movements. I’m in the middle, knees bent, fingers twitching, waiting for the perfect moment.The ball comes soaring over the net. Cora is on it in an instant and digs it up perfectly. The setter sends it my way and I don’t even think. I just jump, arm swinging with all the power I have. The smack of the ball meeting my palm is followed by a sharp thud as it hits the court. Point for us.One more.The gym erupts, voices shouting my name, Cora’s name, our team’s name. I glance at the stands and see Jake standing with his arms crossed. His eyes are soft and full of pride. Grayson is beside him, yelling something I can’t make out, while my mum and Cora’s mum clap enthu
I’m barely out of my PE class, still catching my breath from the last round of laps, when a strong hand suddenly grabs my wrist and yanks me into the locker room. I barely have time to react before another hand clamps gently but firmly over my mouth.My heart kicks up in alarm, but then I catch the scent of that same lemon and something uniquely him. The same as his jacket.I relax instantly.He’s here.He presses me against the cool metal lockers, his golden eyes locked onto mine, dark with something intense. "Didn’t want you screaming," he murmurs, his lips quirking up into a half-smile.I raise an eyebrow as I wait for him to move his hand. When he finally does, I smirk. "You scared the hell out of me, you tosser."He grins but doesn’t apologize. Instead, he leans in. His mouth captures mine in a hungry kiss. His body presses against me and I can feel him. All of him.I gasp against his lips before pulling back, breathless. "Jake," I whisper, hands sliding over his chest. "Why ar