“Ugh,” I mutter, throwing my bag over my shoulder as I exit English. It was the longest day imaginable. And Cora staying home with the flu did not help. I sigh when I get to my bike. I glance over my shoulder to the parking lot. Oliver’s car is still in the parking area, but I can’t ask him for a lift. I have no idea what Bianca told him, but he has been avoiding me like I have the bubonic plague or something. He has not even come home after the funeral. Perhaps that is his way of dealing with the pain. The wind bites my cheeks, causing me to pull my jacket tighter around me. Winter is officially here. It has not snowed yet, but it looks like it might. That is something I am looking forward to. I have always loved the snow. The coldness that always numbs my fingers. This time it might numb my emotions.As I pass by a small pub-diner, a sign catches my eye.Help Wanted. The bike comes to a halt and I park it next to a lamppost. We need some money. My mum has been struggling to get o
The week drifts by in a comfortable monotony, each day blending into the next. School fills my mornings, the familiar routine of classes and hallways providing a steady backdrop to my thoughts. I meet up with Cora during lunch every day. If it weren't for her, I honestly don't I would have survived. She has been so helpful. She even came over a few times and made dinner. I plunge down next to Cora and let out a sigh."Girl, where that sigh lands, nothing will grow." I let out a soft laugh as I shake my head."Sorry," I say with a smile, pulling my tray closer to me. The cafeteria is noisy, but I enjoy it. Usually, I would hate the noise. It's too cold to sit outside and Cora wants to sit with Grayson. So, now I am just enjoying the distraction from my own thoughts.“So, Grayson and I...” Cora begins, a playful smile tugging at her lips as she picks at her sandwich.I raise an eyebrow and bump my shoulder against her.“What about you two?”Cora shrugs, but the grin on her face betrays
My mum puts her hand on my knee, a wide smile playing on her lips as she keeps her eyes on the road. It’s the first time since my dad died that she has that glint in her eyes. “You played so well,” she says, giving my knee a squeeze. I give her a soft smile and take her hand. “Thanks for coming to watch. Did you have a chat with Cora’s mum?” I look at her and she nods. “Yes, I did. Ah, I forgot how sweet she was. I am just so happy that you and Cora patched things up. And Cora surprised me. I didn’t know you two could play volleyball so well. Where did you two come from?” I laugh, shrugging. “We kept it a secret,” I joke, causing my mum to laugh. “Do you have a shift at Poppie’s?” she asks, turning into our driveway. I let out a sigh. I completely forgot about that.“Yup.” She parks the car and gives me a sympathetic gaze. “Do I need to drop you off?” I shake my head before getting out. My mum follows me and we head to the front door. “Nah, I’m good. I enjoy the bike ride,” I s
Jake.Standing in the doorway, his golden eyes burning into me. He looks menacing and tired, his face hardened. He doesn’t say a word, just stands there. Staring at me.My heart skips a beat, but I don’t say anything either.I’ve been expecting this, right? He has probably come to finish what he could not in the woods.To kill me.A part of me is numb to the thought. Whatever happens next... I can’t change it. I’m ready to accept whatever comes.“Kate,” he finally speaks, and his voice is rough. There’s no warmth to it. It sounds like someone who is out for revenge. At least I won't have to deal with this mess anymore. I can go home. So, I don't fight it. I don't protest or beg. I just stand there, waiting. I knew I - Kate - was going to die at the hands of a werewolf. I thought it would be Allison or Tyler. Not Jake. But he is the only one who is justified in killing me. Without warning, he strides toward me. He is on me before I could even process it, slamming me against the wall
When he pulls up to my house, the engine quiets, but neither of us makes a move to get out right away. The moment stretches and just when I think Jake might say something, He opens his door and steps out. Without a word, he walks to the back of the truck and carefully pulls my bike off.“Here,” he says while he places the bike down. “Your bike.”“Thanks,” I say, my voice a little more distant than I intended. I take the bike from him and head to the garage, the weight of the day still hanging heavily on my shoulders. I step into the garage and place my bike against the wall, making sure it’s safe, but the act of doing something small is hardly enough to shake off the anxiety gnawing at me.I feel Jake’s gaze burning into me while I walk back from the garage. I come to a stop, taking a breath before turning to face him.Jake stands there with a rigid posture rigid but his eyes are softer than before. There’s a hesitation in him, something almost human. It makes me feel a little less
The familiar hum of the diner’s lights buzzes faintly against the backdrop of clinking dishes and quiet conversation. I lean against the corner of my truck, parked just far enough from the diner to remain unseen while I watch through the glowing windows as Kate moves through the space like she belongs there. Her apron is tied loosely at the back and her dark hair is in a messy braid. She smiles at a customer and my chest aches in a way I do not want to admit.I had followed Wes straight from Kate’s house, adrenaline buzzing through my veins. My thoughts were chaotic and loud. Seeing Wes give Kate a hug before leaving had been the final straw. How could Wes, someone who had been shot because of her, stand there and act like nothing had happened?Cornering Wes had been impulsive, but I was not in the mood to think twice.Wes did not even flinch when I shoved him against a tree next to the road.“You’re getting real comfortable at her place, aren’t you?” I felt my wolf fighting to take o
The diner is eerily quiet, the kind of silence that presses down on me as I step inside. The lights are dimmed. The faint scent of grease and coffee linger in the air. My footsteps echo faintly against the tiles as I head to the counter, stopping just short of the counter. From the kitchen, I hear movement. There is a shuffle, the clang of dishes, and then her voice.“We’re closed,” Kate calls out, her tone firm but weary.I do not move. I just stand there, staring at the swinging door that separates us.When Kate pushes through the door, wiping her hands on a towel, her breath catches in her throat. Her eyes lock onto mine. There is a fraction of fear before resignation flickers across her face. Resignation or Acceptance. I can’t tell.“Kate.” I hear the hate in my own voice. It sounds like I want to kill her. I kind of want to.She looks exhausted. She has given up. On herself, on life. On me.I stride forward, crossing the distance between us in two long strides. My hands grip her
The engine hums to a stop, leaving us in thick silence. My hands grip the steering wheel, knuckles white as I force myself to take a breath. I can feel her sitting beside me, her presence like a weight in the air—one that suffocates and comforts me all at once. I should say something. Anything. But I don’t.Instead, I shove the door open and step out into the cool night. My boots hit the ground with more force than I intend, the sound breaking the stillness. I don’t look back as I head to the truck bed. I lower her bike carefully with automatic movements.“Here,” I mutter, placing it down more gently than she probably deserves. “Your bike.”“Thanks.” Her voice is distant, detached, and it cuts through me sharper than any knife. She takes the bike and heads toward the garage without looking at me. I watch her retreat, torn between wanting to follow and wanting to get as far away from her as possible.I hate her.I hate her for the blood on her hands. For the four pack members I’ll ne
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