Ashley POV“...and now we're here.”Swallowing hard, I checked her phone, which I kept holding on to for some reason. I saw that it was getting close to lunch time. We had been talking nonstop for almost four hours, and I could feel it physically. My throat and mouth felt as if they were chewing and swallowing sand, but I was almost too scared to take a moment to breathe in between sentences, let alone to go and buy some water. Because if I stopped talking, I don't think I could start again. It was an unbelievably long, strange, and emotionally exhausting story to tell. I almost didn't even realize that I had skipped class.“Now we're here.” She leaned back on the bench and looked up at the gloomy sky. Her face showed a serious expression that was a bit of a cross between amused and surprised. I couldn't blame her. If the roles were reversed, I would most likely laugh or deny it altogether.“You trust me, right?” I asked, or rather, muttered.“Of course,” she replied quickly. “I just.
Ashley POVFor a while, it was eerily quiet. The weather had changed, from cloudy to sunny, and a gentle breeze caressed my cheeks. As I sat there, I couldn't believe that I had told Eva everything. Nevertheless, an overwhelming sense of relief filled my chest as I reflected on my decision. For two and a half months, I had kept my thoughts and actions to myself with no one to talk to... and now, finally, I had her to share them with.I couldn't help but wonder, would I feel relieved by making a decision with Jayden after everything was over?Out of the blue, Eva got up from the bench, rubbing her back simultaneously. “Get up,” she demanded. “Why don't we grab some lunch?”“We should probably call the professors first and tell them about why we skipped class,” I replied as I looked at the campus building, guilt weighing on my shoulders.“Fine, do that while walking. I'm starving.”As I made the call, she took me to a cheap Chinese restaurant near the university. The restaurant was too
Ashley POVAfter hearing the sound of the front door key, I nearly snapped the pen in my mouth out of sheer frustration. But I didn’t. Instead, I put the pen down and took a long, deep breath. Pushing the pain in my heart out of my mind— something that felt both easier and harder to do each time.Easier, because I knew I could suppress the pain with sheer willpower, and willpower was something I rarely lacked. Harder, because a part of me, the part buried deep within my wolf, actually wanted the suffering to stay. It was masochistic, purely so, but the act of stitching my shattered heart back together was starting to feel comforting, even satisfying.Anything to fill the void Jayden left when he returned to the apartment he shared with his friends.Days turned into weeks. News about Jayden and Blair’s relationship swept through the entire city and the international world— Hollywood. The night their I*******m post went viral like wildfire. Before long, fans of both pop stars gathered un
Ashley POVIn the end, they won the award. I found out about it as I was stealing glances at Eva, who was watching the live broadcast in one of my classes, and almost cried when the winner was announced. She was so overjoyed that even when Jayden called during lunch to update me with the situation there, she was even bold enough to congratulate him, albeit timidly, which amused me. Since he was in a hurry, he hung up as soon as he told me about their victory... Needless to say, I had to mention it though, and as much as it left a bitter taste in my mouth, my mood turned to joy as I recalled Friday.The rest of the week passed by in a blur and before I knew it, it was time for me to meet the band members of Boyz Hits Bullet on May 26th.Four days left until the show began.Four more days until everything I had been putting in would come to fruition.Four more days until my place in Jayden Keller's life would be wiped out.It was between half past seven and eight in the evening, with tr
Ashley POV“Hey,” I said as I sat down beside Miles— the seat that had indirectly become my choice simply because it was the closest to where I had been standing near the door. Besides, I felt like I knew him better than anyone else here— except for Jayden, of course.Jayden had just taken a seat across from me when an argument broke out between him and Jean over what to order and how much. Miles set his half-empty drink down on the table and was forced to lean in closer to me just to be heard over their rapidly escalating banter— or rather, a full-blown dispute.“Did something happen on the way here?” he asked.“Just the usual traffic,” I said with a grimace. “For some reason, today felt unbearably long.”“We started without you two.”“Yeah, Jayden already told me. It’s fine.” I rubbed my arm. It wasn’t surprising that Miles smelled faintly of beer and food, but that scent was only temporary, merely clinging to him. This close, I could pick up a mix of coconut, aftershave, and the fr
Ashley POVAll the attention from seven pairs of expectant eyes suddenly weighs me down. I rub my palms together, trying to shake off those stares, and then it hits me.I give Jayden a simple smile and bump my head against his. "Something embarrassing from your childhood, Jayden."He narrows his eyes, snorting. "That’s like a double-edged sword you’re playing with, Ash."I shrug. "I’m not the type who can’t tell the difference between fairies and dwarves in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.""Seriously?" Jax asks."Plenty more," I reply."Ash," Jayden says, his tone carrying a warning, yet there's a hint of embarrassment and worry in his caramel-brown eyes."If we drink, we’ll figure it out," Jean says flatly, not at all impressed by my suggestion. "That’s a bad bet, Miles. Don’t even think about it.""Not at all," I replied coolly. "I can handle my drink better than anyone at this table, I promise. So you’re not gonna get something from me that I don’t wanna share.""Sounds almost like
Ashley POVIf my brain wasn’t so clouded with exhaustion and alcohol, I might’ve reacted properly to what he just said. But right now, I was way more drunk than I wanted to admit. I pushed aside every thought fighting for space in my head, whether real or not, because his body heat and the scent of white musk, soap, and just him made something inside me shiver with longing. I didn’t trust myself in this state. I didn’t trust myself when my lips were this close to his neck, where his scent was strongest.So instead, I focused on one thing— holding on."Ash, I have a question."He had already reached the second floor, adjusting his grip on me. I glanced at him, curious, urging him to continue. "Shoot.""I was wondering if you’d come to our show at the end of May," he said quietly as he stepped onto the last staircase. "I know it’s around finals, but..." I felt him swallow hard. "I want you to be there. To see us, to see me... perform."I pretended to think about it for a second, but hon
Ashley POVThe streets weren’t exactly empty, but David had been circling the block for the past half hour, worried about my safety. That’s why he managed to pull up right where he had dropped me off just a few minutes later. Before getting into the car, still a little tipsy, I waved goodbye to the BHB band members— except for Jayden and Jamie, who were still upstairs looking for something they’d left behind.Even though it felt kinda weird leaving without saying goodbye to everyone, maybe it was for the best that I didn’t see Jayden again. At least, not that night.I had to wipe my eyes more than a few times on the way home. Not even the alcohol could numb the sharp ache in my chest.The moment I got back, I collapsed onto my bed and passed out.The next morning, fighting off a pounding headache, I came to the conclusion that my trip to Milan needed to be about more than just Jayden’s concert. I had to make this trip for myself too. And since Eva was too busy to come along and Jared
Ashley POVJared reached out and shook Samuel’s hand without even blinking. That surprised me, considering Samuel’s old injury, but Jared’s grip was firm and smooth.“Jared Keller,” he said with a hint of a smile. “And I’m sure the best wedding photographer in the city is more than capable of taking a few photos of me and my fiancée.”His voice, usually cold and even, actually sounded warm this time— nothing like the sharp tone he usually used with me. But that didn’t bother me. Not one bit.Because I knew Jared. I knew that when he wanted to, he could charm anyone— regardless of gender. That cool, intimidating aura of his didn’t stop him from flipping a switch and turning into the smoothest guy in the room.And honestly? The fact he was using that tone with someone other than me or Eva? It was kind of a relief.When Jared talked like that, people couldn’t help but feel confident, maybe even proud— like they mattered. Like Jared saw something special in them, even if they barely knew
Ashley POV“And... smile!”The umbrella lights flashed across the room, making my vision blur for a second. I blinked quickly, waiting for the black dots to fade as my eyes adjusted to the pastel walls, the endless fake white and blush roses surrounding me, and the bulky guy standing behind the camera set up in front of me.Raising his hand, he gave the universal “okay” gesture. “Beautiful, beautiful,” he said excitedly. “Now, if you could just tilt your head a little to the side and angle your chin to the right...”Without a word, I followed his instructions, rewarded with a delighted squeal and another blinding flash. “Yes, that’s it! And maybe move your hand like this...” he said, demonstrating with his left hand. I copied him. “Yesss! Perfect! I gotta say,” he went on with a big grin, “you are the most stunning bride I’ve ever seen, Ashley Van Smith. Your fiancé is one lucky guy.”The camera clicked and the lights flashed again.“Thanks, Sam,” I said once my vision started coming
Jayden POV“Jay, are you okay?”“How many times do I have to answer that?” I didn't look up from my phone screen even though I'd probably read the same news article about criminals a thousand times. Somehow, the drive to the restaurant felt like an eternity, or, at least, that's how I felt when I was stuck in the car with nothing to hear but silly questions.I was fine, though.“How many times does it take you to spill the fucking truth,” Hunter asked, his voice coming from dangerously close behind me.I lifted my phone over my shoulder so he could see what I was doing, then snorted. I took the only open passenger seat in the front on the pretense that I was feeling sick because I was so damn starving, but now here I was suddenly wondering if it would be better to sit in the very back seat.But there was Miles already seated, and I didn't like the way he was looking at me as I turned towards him.“Jayden...” Jamie's tone was low, worried.“Get off of my back,” I snapped. “I'm fine, ok
Jayden POV“No,” I stated simply. “She… Everyone thinks we're just family friends.”“Well,” she went on, the glint in her eyes turning cold. Extremely cold, like merciless stones of ice. “As of today, that won't be a lie anymore.”My brows furrowed, I couldn't help but let the fear caused by my anxiety creep up my voice. “What do you mean?” I asked in a tone that hopefully sounded calm.She pulled the engagement ring off her finger and held it out to me. “I'm calling off our engagement,” she said harshly. “I won't - won't marry a cheating bastard like you. You can live happily ever after with someone else, like Blair Anderson.” A mocking sneer spread across her face. “Smile, Jayden - you're finally getting rid of me, may you live happily ever after with your dear girlfriend.” What she said after that sucked the life out of me as if part of my soul had been taken away. “Oh, and before I forget, I, Ashley Van Smith, of the Red Moon Pack, reject Jayden Ronan Keller, of the Crimson Pack,
Jayden POV“What are you doing here, Ashley?”It wasn't my intention to lash out at her, but I was too shocked to find other words, so my tongue moved faster than my brain. She looked flabbergasted at my words, her face turning redder than a ripe tomato as she caught sight of me and my group of friends. Her lips parted and sealed, then parted again, but this time to my astonishment. She was stunned. Angry, too.And hurting more than I'd ever seen her before.“Jayden,” Tyler said hesitantly, breaking the silence down the hallway that had suddenly become eerily quiet. “Isn't she a friend of your family?”“Is it really her?” asked Jax, glancing curiously between me and Ashley while scratching his face.Later on, Jamie stepped in front of me as soon as I snarled at Ashley with both shoulders raised but immediately loosened up at Tyler's words. “Oh yeah, I've seen your face before, on the news.”Hunter snapped his fingers. “That's right!” he said as he realized something. “Whenever you two
Jayden POV23.02 - Fine, I'll go get your stuff. See you in five minutes?23.02 - Perfect! Hey, baby, you're not mad at me, right?Rolling my eyes, I replied with the word “No”. To be frank, I'm not mad at her. I'm just tired of her. Blair was prettier than most, very talented, and kind despite being more of a loner than Jean and overall she was a very nice girl. She is the kind of girl that guys dream about, because of her sweet and lovable nature, her graceful and slender figure. In fact, she was exactly what I wanted when I first laid eyes on her. I used to think I could finally fall in love, and it would be with her because she's almost perfect in every way. I mean, how could a guy not like a woman like Blair?At first, it was fun and exciting. I had never had someone... someone who I knew was definitely interested in me and talked to me for twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. She made me break down my walls, to the point where I felt I could trust her. I thought I could
Jayden POV—Flashback a few hours before the accident after the concert in NY in February—“Good job, everyone! That's a wrap for our concert in NY!”Clark escorted the seven of us from backstage to one of the leather couches in the dressing room before darting off somewhere. Some of the other coordinators and managers who had been with us for a few months to a few years came next, all with smiles on their faces. I poured the last contents of my water bottle over my head to cool down as I sat next to Jax. The liquid dripped down my face, neck, and back, soaking the black T-shirt I wore at the end of the concert, and though it felt relatively warm, I was still able to breathe a sigh of relief.“There's a place called the bathroom.” Tyler leaned over to my right and tugged gently on my sleeve. “Man, you're soaked.”“You too,” I retorted as I stared intently at his hair stuck to his forehead.“I'm starving,” whimpered Jean as he fanned himself frantically with someone's magazine. He plop
Ashley POVJayden was checking himself out in the massive mirror, eyes trailing from head to toe. His dyed light brown hair was a mess, and he had just enough makeup on to cover the small scar on his left cheek. Titanium earrings dangled from his ears, and rings wrapped around his fingers. He wore a red bomber jacket over a teal patterned shirt, paired with tight— very tight— black skinny jeans and branded sneakers to complete the look.“Hey,” he greeted, locking eyes with me through the mirror.I pushed a rolling clothing rack filled with expensive-looking shirts and jackets. “No white tees? What’s going on?” I asked.Jayden let out a small laugh. “Sorry to disappoint,” he replied, adjusting his collar. “Anyway, where have you been? I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”“I was at the mall,” I lied, trying my hardest not to rub my wrist. “I’m actually feeling kinda sick. I don’t know if I can stay for the whole concert.”He immediately turned to me. “You have to,” he said, a hint of
Ashley POVChugging his water bottle, Jayden turned his attention back to his friends. Miles, however, kept sneaking glances at me, his expression unreadable. I gave him a small smile anyway, hoping to reassure him that I was fine.A lie, of course. I was fine. I just had no idea how.“Are you and Miles having a thing or...?”My jaw practically hit the floor, and I gawked at Blair in disbelief. “What?” I blurted, unable to hide my shock. “Of course not!”She tapped a finger against her chin, flashing me an apologetic smile. “Sorry, that was kind of fishy.” She came closer, the scent of her strawberry perfume stinging my nose even more. “Come on, we’re friends. You can tell me.”I was this close to telling her that friendship didn’t work that way. Hell, I wanted to punch her square in the jaw. But I managed to hold back and just shook my head. “No, really,” I said, sneakily shifting away from her. “There’s nothing going on between me and him. Or anyone else in this group, for that matt