Loud sobs wake me from my sleep. I open my eyes with a struggle, sighing deeply. I look around the dark room and try to remember where I am.Another sob pulls me back to my room and I shoot up. The pain in my shoulder serves as a reminder of what happened. The tearing pain causes me to groan. Why did I not die?“No, please.” Jake?I sit on my knees on the bed and search for him between the covers and blankets. My hands touch warmth and I grip his arm.“Jake,” I whisper. He lets out another silent cry, followed by the rapid shaking of his head. I lean over him to reach my nightstand and switch on the small lamp.When I sit back, I notice Jake’s tear-stained cheeks. Was he crying? He shakes his head again. He is having a nightmare.“Jake, wake up,” I say, louder this time while tapping his arm. It looks like he is captured inside the nightmare, unable to escape. I tap his chest while calling his name, hoping he would wake up.His hand shoots out to grab my arm and he yanks me down, hove
The alarm rings through my room and I pull the blanket over my head. My shoulder and neck throb, causing me to let out a silent scream. How am I going to get through this day?I stumble out of my bed and yawn loudly. I hear my mother’s voice downstairs and I smile to myself. I have missed her.I am still surprised that I managed to sleep through the whole Sunday. Somewhere last night, I heard my parents coming in. I am still curious about what my dad, well Kate’s dad, does for a living.The black leather jacket looks appealing, especially with my white jeans and red scarf. Jake would probably not even notice that I am wearing his jacket.I struggle to get my shirt on, but after a few pained groans, I pull my jacket over my shirt. With my trainers in my one hand and my phone in the other, I rush down the stairs. I am probably going to be late.“Ah, there she is. We wanted to come say hello last night, but your light was off. How was your weekend?” My dad asks, holding his arm out for a
“Shit girl! That sounds intense. I am so glad that I am not you right now. What are you going to do?” Cora asks, wiping the sweat from her forehead with a pink towel. She is out of breath, her blonde locks falling over her face.“That’s why I told you all of this. I need advice,” I say with a hint of frustration. Cora whips her head back and pulls her locks into a high ponytail.“I don’t know. How did you get into this situation? I thought you and Jake were on good terms. You spent the whole weekend with him and now what? You are not going to talk to him? I feel like you are not telling me the whole truth.”I open my mouth but close it again. I only told her about the fair we went to and that Allison and I had a fight. And that Jake spent the night at my house, so the comment of not wanting to face Jake does seem odd.“I- I just don't know what we are at this stage. He might be afraid of commitment,” I say with defeat, taking Cora’s bag that she holds out for me. “Tell him how you fee
I push the broccoli around on my plate, thoughts racing through my head. I swallow the sigh that wants to escape. I am still trying to process what happened with Jake. The one moment, he spends the night, and then, he tells me to stay away. And the worst of it all is the fact that he was not at school on Tuesday or today. None of the werewolves were at school. Not even Allison. Where are they?“Catherine, dear. Are you all right? You are not eating,” my mum says with concern. I look at her and force a smile.“I am just tired,” I lie, and she reaches her hand over the table to me. I take her hand and she squeezes my hand. My dad places his knife and fork on his plate. Oliver has a big assignment and he was with Bianca the whole weekend, so he has to catch up.“Thank you love. It was delicious,” my dad says as he stands up. He gives my mum a kiss on top of her head. He then proceeds to take my plate along with my mum’s and head to the kitchen.“I have to get going,” I say, standing up. M
I thank the author for leaving Jake’s cabin unlocked. I do not believe that it was Jake who left it open, so thank you, author. Jake’s cabin is extremely neat. It looks like Jake packed some things and then left along with the pack. I hope they come back.I throw my stuff on the counter and let out a long sigh. This is going to be a long night. I informed my mother and she sounded excited for me. I did not say that Jake would not be here for this. He will just have to get over it.I sort through the paint before I go to look for the drawing. Where would Jake put it? I move from the kitchen to the living room, but it is not there. Maybe it is in his room. I do not want to snoop around in his room. Unfortunately, I need to do this today.I slowly walk to his room, and the door creaks when I open it. His room is also very tidy and it still smells like him. I inhale deeply before I go to the nightstand next to his bed. The drawers look large enough to contain the A3 paper.I open the fir
Cora plunges down next to me with a laugh. I turn my head to her, still chewing on the roll-up. She waves to someone before she returns to me. She lets out a quiet shriek.“What happened with you?” I frown. “Your hair?” She gestures to my hair and my hand shoots to my hair. I flatten my hair, but she stops me. “Let me.” She gestures for me to turn around and I feel her pulling my hair into a braid.“I had to do an all-nighter for that stupid assignment,” I say when she finishes with my hair. She giggles and shakes her head.“That bad?” I nod, taking another bite. “Well, I hope you have enough energy for the party tonight. I do not want you to bring my energy down,” she says before she takes a sip of water. I raise my brows at her and she lets out a loud gasp. “You forgot? Girl, you are such a disappointment. I do not care how tired you are, you are coming. You hear me,” she says with a threatening voice. I laugh loudly at her crazy eyes.“Fine. But I am leaving early,” I say and take a
Jake’s POV:I let out a tired sigh, leaning my forehead against my cabin’s doors. Exhaustion pulls at every inch of me. This mission was a disaster. A complete waste of time. The hunters were not where Tyler’s source claimed. I should have known that it would not be that easy. We have been looking for them for over three years. They would never just show up somewhere random.I go to unlock my door, but it is already unlocked. I could have sworn I locked it. Did someone break in? A faint, familiar scent wafts through the air as I inhale deeply. My body tenses. What is she doing here?I enter and see her lying on my couch, fast asleep. What the? As I make my way over to her, I notice the painting on the counter. Oh no. The project. I had completely forgotten.A soft snore escapes her mouth and I chuckle softly. She must have fallen asleep here. I crouch down next to the couch, my eyes glued to her. She looks as tired as I feel. I glance over my shoulder at the drawing. She must ha
I trail behind the group heading toward Grayson’s party, already questioning how Wes managed to talk me into this. And then he chickened out because he remembered he had to study for a test.I pull a hand through my hair. I guess Tyler and Allison might need a designated driver back home or a designated walker. Those two are driving me insane.We reach the street of Grayson’s home and the music is booming through the neighborhood. It’s a miracle the neighbors haven’t called the cops yet. How is it even possible to blast music at this volume?Allison is the first to rush through the small gate on Grayson’s law, but she bumps into Grayson. He’s holding a cup of what I can only assume is alcohol, and it spills all over her dress.Predictably, Tyler reacts before anyone else can.I let out a loud sigh. Just because it is mating season and these two are beyond horny, doesn’t mean Tyler needs to fight every guy who so much as breathes near Allison. Before I can intervene, someone beats me
The explosion tears through the forest, a burst of heat and fire erupting in the darkness. The shockwave slams into me like a physical force and knocks the air from my lungs. The ground trembles beneath my feet as flames roar to life, licking up the trees.The blast illuminates the night in an instant, casting flickering shadows. The pack scatters, dodging falling embers and diving for cover as smoke curls into the air.For a split second, there’s nothing but ringing in my ears. Muffled shouts. The distant snap of branches. The crackling of fire eating through the dry leaves.The sharp crack of bullets pierces the chaos, but the pack is ready. They move like shadows, weaving between trees and bushes. A hunter barely has time to react before Tyler slams into him and takes him to the ground with a growl.Jake’s hand slips from mine as he launches himself forward. I watch him transform as he runs to the nearest hunters. I stay low, keeping myself hidden behind the undergrowth. My heart
The pack house is buzzing with quiet, focused energy when Jake and I step inside. Every single person is here. Some are standing in tense groups while others are sitting with protective gear. The air is thick with anticipation.Across the room, Allison and Tyler are deep in conversation with a small group. Among them, Oliver and Bianca stand slightly apart, listening intently.Oliver notices me first. His gaze flickers in my direction and I give him a small smile, lifting my fingers in a wave. He hesitates before nodding back with a slight smile.Jake keeps walking, guiding me toward the far end of the room, where Wes is hunched over a makeshift lab setup. His hands move quickly, mixing liquids, analyzing samples. He is so focused he barely registers us approaching.“How close are you?” Jake asks.Wes exhales sharply. “Very.” He doesn’t look up, instead pointing to a row of vials in front of him. “I’ve narrowed it down, but I need fresh human blood to test the final component.”“Take
The drive to the pack’s hideout is quiet, the hum of the engine blending with the distant sounds of the night. The road twists through dense forest, barely visible from the main highway. It’s a place only a few know about, tucked away behind thick trees and old, winding paths. I do not think I would be able to find it again on my own. Jake drives with one hand on the wheel, the other resting lazily on my hand which is on his thigh. My thumb moves in slow circles and he has a soft smile on his lips. By the time we pull up to the hidden pack house, my heart feels heavier. Jake parks in a concealed spot near the pack house. I unzip the bag on my lap and take out Jake’s clothes before getting my own. I place the bag back on the ground, careful not to wrinkle my dress. It’s ridiculous, really/ Considering everything we’ve just done, you’d think I wouldn’t care so much about keeping it pristine. But I do.Jake just watches, his lips twitching in that quiet but amused way of his.“What?”
I sigh in content as I press my forehead to Jake, still catching my breath. His hands are steady on my hips. He is holding me like he’s in no rush to let me go.“All right,” I mumble, shifting slightly. “I should probably get off now.” Jake just hums, but he makes no move to help.I try again and pushes lightly against his chest, but my legs feel like jelly. Plus, the position is… not ideal for an easy exit. I let out a soft huff. “Jake.”He lets out a quiet laugh as his hands move from my waist and place them under my thighs. Then, with zero effort, he picks me up and moves me onto the passenger seat like I weigh nothing.“Show off,” I mutter, adjusting my dress.He smirks and runs a hand through his hair. “You were taking too long.”I just shake my head, but there’s a grin tugging at my lips. I glance down at my thigh before I grab a tissue from my purse.“Lovely,” I say flatly. “Thanks for that.”Jake leans his head back against the seat, watching me with that quiet amusement. “Y
We move quickly but quietly toward Jake’s truck, my heart pounding in my chest. The night air is cool against my skin, but it does nothing to calm the heat inside me. We hurry into the truck and Jake starts the engine before he maneuvers the truck toward the farthest corner of the parking lot.The moment he shifts into park, his lips are on mine again. I sigh into the kiss as my hand moves over his chest to settle on his neck. His hands roam my waist before he pulls me onto his lap, making me gasp.“Jake,” I scold between kisses, pressing my hands to his chest. “Be careful with the dress.”He chuckles, low and deep, his breath warm against my neck. “I’ve got you,” he murmurs, fingers tracing the fabric slowly before he lifts it just enough.A giggle escapes me as he shifts my underwear aside. His touch sends shivers up my spine. “I’ve never done this in a car before,” I admit, breathless. The space feels both thrilling and awkward, the newness of it making me giddy.“I’ll take care o
I check my phone and notice a message from my mum. I hope you are having fun xA soft smile forms on my lips and I check the time. It is already past ten. We should probably get going. But I want to get another dance in with Jake. With a playful grin, I take Jake’s hand and pull him toward the dance floor. The music pulses around us and I cannot help but sway to the beat, my energy infectious.“Come on, don’t just stand there!” I urge, glancing up at him with a teasing glint in my eyes. As I start to dance, I turn my back to him and playfully grind against him. Laughter spills out as I watch his cheeks flush a faint pink.“Uh, Kate,” he says, his voice low but with that shy confidence I find so endearing, “maybe we should keep it—”“Oh, stop being so serious!” I interrupt and twirl around him with a cheeky smile. The way he tries to maintain his composure only makes me want to tease him more.“Really, I need to—” he starts and I let out a soft giggle.“Need to what?” I tease, winkin
The music thrums through the air, a steady pulse of sound that makes the entire room feel alive. Twinkling fairy lights are strung across the ceiling like fireflies caught in midair and tall artificial trees line the edges of the dance floor. Their leaves are dusted with tiny glowing lanterns. The whole venue looks like something out of a dream. Like an enchanted forest brought to life.Cora twirls me under her arm, laughing as my dress flares out around me. I’m breathless, my cheeks aching from smiling so much. We’ve been dancing for what feels like forever, moving to the beat of every song.“You’re having fun,” Cora teases, bumping her hip against mine.I grin at her. “Obviously.”She gasps dramatically. “Girl, I knew you would have fun. And you wanted to skip this?”I roll my eyes, but I’m still smiling. It’s true. I can’t remember the last time I felt this light, this carefree. And I did want to skip. Maybe it’s the music, or the warm golden glow of the lights, or just the fact th
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