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
“It has been so long since I last saw you. Look at you! You are all grown up,” she says with a warm smile and I smile back at her.“What are you doing here?” I ask and hold my arms out for a hug. She tightly embraces me. I have not seen her since . . . Since I was 14 and in my hometown. A wave of nostalgia washes over me as I pull back.What is she doing here?“I was invited by Olivia,” she says, pointing to where Olivia is talking to some of the girls.“Oh, she said she invited girls from the nearby high school. I did not know you attended here. I thought you were still back in Prichard.” She laughs while shaking her head.“I moved here last year. My dad wanted a fresh start—away from everything that happened.” Her smile wavers briefly before brightening again. “I’m so happy to see you. I’ve always wondered what happened to you.” I smile and she pulls me into another hug. She lets go and gestures to the house. “I’m going to get something to drink. You want something?”“No thanks. I’
It looks like she’s on the verge of tears though. She rolls her eyes, turning away from me and ignoring my calls. Her retreating figure stirs a sharp pang of worry in my chest. I jog up to her, catching her arm gently“Kate, what is wrong?” I ask while turning her to look at me. She stops and looks me up and down, letting out a sigh. She rubs her face, smearing her make-up. Not again. I cannot laugh at her, not now.“Nothing,” she says, but I know she is lying. I tilt my head, unwilling to let it slide. She shrugs off my hand, her movements stiff. “Really, nothing. I am drunk beyond comprehension and I am tired, so please leave.” She looks into my eyes, tilting her head with a soft smile. “I am going to say stuff I should not say.”The vulnerability in her mumble makes me pause, but she shakes her head and starts walking again.I dart in front of her, blocking her path. She huffs loudly, throwing her head back in frustration.“Let me at least walk you back home,” I offer. Her head stay
Kate’s POV:I groan, pulling the blanket over my eyes. Ugh, I am never drinking again. What was I thinking? My head is pounding and my stomach makes a funny noise. I knew I would regret drinking, but I still did it.Squinting against the harsh light, I peel the blanket off my face. Big mistake. The brightness feels like needles stabbing my skull. I groan again, rubbing my temples. I sigh as I sit up, the pounding causing my vision to blur.Water. I need water.With a determined groan, I stumble out of bed toward the kitchen. My dad and mum are sitting at the island in the kitchen, both drinking tea in silence.“Morning,” I say as I enter the kitchen. My dad chuckles at my state while my mum shakes her head.“Morning. How was your night?” my dad asks. I nod slowly while I pour water into one of the larger glasses.“It was fun, but I am not doing it again,” I admit, causing my dad to laugh. I down the glass of water. My mum stands up and opens one of the cabinets.“We were worried. Yo
I walk through the crowded hallways, my bag slung over one shoulder. I am still floating from this morning. My skin is buzzing with warmth, a lingering trace of Jake’s arms around me. It’s ridiculous how much I missed him, how much lighter everything feels now that things are okay again. I find myself replaying the moment in my head over and over. The way his arms tightened around me, the way his lips brushed against mine so softly. I don’t think I’ve ever woken up feeling so content.Cora practically materializes at my side, looping her arm through mine in one fluid motion.“So,” she says, her lips stretching into a knowing grin. “I need to find a dress for prom.”I let out a short laugh, shaking my head. “And this is my problem because…?”She stops dead in her tracks, gasping dramatically like I’ve just insulted her entire family lineage. A couple of freshmen glance at her in alarm before scurrying past. “Katherine Lauder, do not tell me you’re not going.”“I wasn’t even thinking
I wake up slowly to warmth, my body curled against Jake’s. My head is nestled in the crook of his neck. His steady breathing soothes me and his arms are still wrapped around me. He holds me as if even in sleep, he refuses to let go. I don’t move. I don’t even think about moving. I stay there, sinking into his steady presence. I focus on the way his scent fills my senses and how his chest rises and falls under my palm.Memories flicker through my drowsy mind. I remember the last time this happened. The couch and the soft hum of the television in the background. I had fallen asleep like this and it was Allison who woke me up. Jake had been holding me then too, just like this. Like he never wanted to let go.The memory makes me tighten my hold on him, burying my face deeper into his neck. He’s here. He’s really here. Safe, warm, real. The relief is overwhelming. Now there is nothing pulling me away. There is no reason to leave this perfect warmth. Carefully, barely even breathing, I li
I trace small patterns on Jake’s arm, my head resting on his shoulder. His hold around my middle is firm, reassuring, his body pressed against mine like an unshakable force in the chaos of my emotions.The tears have not stopped. They keep coming, each one dragging more guilt to the surface. Jake’s arms tighten around me as if he can somehow keep me together when I feel like I might shatter.I focus on the steady rise and fall of his breathing. I try to anchor myself in the warmth of his presence. As I cry, my heart aches for him too. He has suffered because of me, endured so much because of the choices I made. Each sob makes me want to apologize over and over, to take it all back, but I know I never can. The damage is already done. And yet, here he is, holding me, staying with me, despite everything.Something shifts in that moment. For the first time in months, I don’t feel completely alone. Jake’s presence helps me breathe through the pain, grounding me in the moment.Time stretc
My eyes flutter open as I wake up, a soft groan escaping my lips. My body stretches out against the sheets, actually rested. It has been quite a while since I felt this rested. The light seeps through the curtains and covers the room in a muted glow.I blink at the clock beside my bed. The numbers blur together before they finally click. Oh shit.A jolt of panic shoots through me as I sit up too fast, my heart pounding. I’m late. Way too late.Adrenaline kicks in and I scramble out of bed. I yank on a loose hoodie without bothering to check the mirror. My shift at the diner. I was supposed to be there hours ago.I hurry down the stairs, my feet stumbling over themselves while I try to shake off the grogginess. When I reach the kitchen, I freeze in the doorway.Jake is sitting at the table, a plate of breakfast in front of him. My mum is chatting away, smiling like she has not seen him in years. Well, she has not seen him in months. My stomach twists, a strange mix of guilt and grati
The shrill beeping of Kate’s alarm jolts me awake. I groan, my hand fumbling for the offending noise. I finally find the button and silence it. She does not even stir, still tucked into the blanket like she does not have a care in the world.I roll out of bed, rubbing a hand over my face before glancing back at her. Peaceful. Oblivious. Shaking my head, I grab a shirt from the floor and throw it on before stepping out of the room.The faint smell of coffee hit me before I reach the kitchen. Her mom stands at the counter, humming quietly as she flips through a magazine. When she sees me, her face lights up.“Jake!” she says with a warmth I have forgotten. “Oh, it’s so good to see you.”She crosses the room in a few quick steps and wraps me in a hug. I stand there awkwardly for a second, then pat her back.“It’s good to see you too, Mrs. Lauder,” I say, managing a small smile.“Oh, stop it with the ‘Mrs. Lauder.’ It’s Ellie.” She pulls back with her hands on my arms as she beams up at m
The weight of my thoughts lingers as I lay there, staring at the ceiling. It feels wrong. It feels so wrong, being here, tangled in memories, in confusion, in pain. But I can’t leave. Not yet.My phone buzzes and I glance at the screen. Wes.I swipe to answer, the coldness creeping into my chest. “What?”“Where are you?” Wes asks, his voice steady, but I can hear the undercurrent of concern.I sigh while rubbing a hand across my face. “Kate’s.”There’s a pause, too long. “What are you doing at Kate’s house?” His voice is sharper.I feel the heat rise in my chest, anger flaring at the mention of her name. “Why do you care where I am, Wes? She’s the reason four of our pack is dead. She’s the reason you and I were shot. She’s the reason everything’s messed up.”Wes sighs deeply on the other end of the line. “It’s a long story, Jake.”“I’ve got time.”Wes breathes out, and then reluctantly, he begins.“When the bullets were flying, when we were under attack, Kate came crawling to me,” he
Her breathing is soft and even, the sound hypnotic. I lie stiff beside her with my body angled away, but my eyes? They are locked on her face. Peaceful. Unburdened. It pisses me off because I know better.Kate’s betrayal plays on repeat in my head. I see it every time I close my eyes. That bastard hunter leader throwing his arms around her, smiling as if she was making him proud. And Kate? She did not fight it. No resistance, no denial. She stood there, complicit.The rage I’d felt that day... hell, it still burns. My vision tunneled, my wolf practically tearing at the seams, demanding blood. But I did not move. Not fast enough, anyway. The gunfire cut through the chaos first.Two of my packmates dropped before I could even process what was happening. The sound of their bodies hitting the dirt, the coppery stench of blood. It’s still fresh, like it just happened yesterday. The other two... we lost them later. Their injuries were too far gone, too much for even our strongest healers.F
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 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