Ashley POV Well, "almost" is the key word here. But still, he couldn't seriously walk into the kitchen, where he knew full well that I would be there. And even an idiot like Jayden Ronan Keller wouldn't be able to ignore the fact that, hell yes, I was a woman who had shown some interest in the opposite sex during her childhood. And we were both adults now, moreover, we were both mated and it could make the wolf in us, the beast in us get pulled into that. And yet, he has no reason to get close to me with his appearance and he doesn't even realize the bond we have. His dark brown hair was even darker due to the dampness. No matter how Jayden ruffled his hair to dry it with the towel draped over his shoulder, water still dripped from the ends of his hair. Small droplets dripped in the crooks of his ears and neck, following the shape of his strong shoulders, muscular arms, and well-built body due to the force of gravity. There was a white towel loosely wrapped around his hips - thankf
Ashley POV I didn't know where to start. Then, remembering the list I had written and the master list Jackson had compiled from working with Boyz Hits Bullets, I took them both out and placed them on the table. "Can you look through these?" I asked. Jayden glanced at my paper first. "Is this some kind of wish list of yours, or?" he asked as he pointed at it. His gaze turned suspicious as he looked at the master list. "I don't know what the person who wrote this meant. It's just a list of events." "How do you know this is mine?" I couldn't hold back my astonishment. "Your handwriting is pretty crappy, Ash." "Oh my," I muttered. "It's gotten better over the years." "Apparently not, because... the letters look the same as always." "It's not a wish list, you know," I said, rolling my eyes at his scorn. "It's a list of things you and I have gone through over the past five years." For obvious reasons, I had intentionally not written down the day of my engagement with him, and anythi
Ashley POV So, despite being only a few steps away from the handsome face of Jayden Keller, I knew that I had to stay away. Before he or I did something really bad, something that I couldn't do or even worse, that I wouldn't be able to deny or take back. "I have to go to school," I said as I straightened my body position. My two hands were clenched at my sides and I felt my cheeks start to heat up. "I'll take care of the dishes. You rest or whatever. When I get back, we will start piecing back together the memories you've lost." "No," he said quickly, getting up from his bed. There was nothing - not even the slightest hint of redness in his expression that suggested that the moments that had just occurred, where the two of us had shown affection and intimacy. And perhaps it was best if we both forgot about it. "Let me do the dishes since you're already cooking." "Don't be silly," I said as I picked up the dishes and started washing them, still feeling the heat on my cheeks. "What
Ashley POVSchool went on like any other Tuesday. Only Eva almost pulled out her hair in the second period and had probably aged about ten years by the end of the last class. She was a gentle girl, but her dedication to Jayden's boy band could make a mother's dedication to her firstborn seem cruel by comparison. She was trying to get various information from me, getting anything from the various features I displayed surprisingly, but I didn't budge. All I could tell her was that Jayden was in a car accident but not dead, which she probably already knew. She kept trying to convince me that the two of us should meet him at the healer's, but I was used to her trying to use me to meet him. It wasn't anything aggressive, it was more often taken as a joke for me and her, but now it was as if she was really worried that day.Not that it worried me, because I knew that Jayden was fine and I knew Eva would get over her overreaction soon. Eventually. Besides, I bought her food for the rest of t
Ashley POVSomehow, I resisted the urge to breathe away, either out of relief or annoyance. My fingers felt stiff around the knife handle. Despite my instinctive feeling of wanting to punch, I wasn't too fond of violence. And, I won't lie, I was a little scared as I wandered around the house and wondered to myself if Jayden had been kidnapped or stabbed and was bleeding profusely in a corner. Luckily, he was fine.But why was he sleeping in my bed?I slowly approached him, ready to wake him up and tell him that he should eat before the cheese on his pizza got cold. The ceiling lights weren't on, leaving only the city lights below to fill the dark room. Stopping beside the bed, I was just about to turn on the wall lamp that sat above my bed when I noticed, for the first time, the dark circles under his eyes and how his skin looked too thin on his cheekbones and jaw. He had lost weight, even if it was only water weight, since the accident, and a significant amount. Whether it was due to
Ashley POVJayden looked as if he wanted to say something, maybe protest, but eventually, he decided against it and just nodded. “I'll take the couch. I don't want to be a bother to you.”“Right,” I said, glad that he didn't insist that I had to sleep in the same room as him. The same apartment, away from strangers in lab coats and nurse's outfits, in my opinion, should be enough for him to be relaxed enough to sleep.“We still have time to kill,” Jayden said, looking out over the city. “I figured you needed to study though.”“You should sleep,” I reminded him. I actually had an assignment to submit before Thursday night, which meant I had two days to complete it. “You haven't been able to rest properly until now, so take this opportunity and go to bed early.”He sighed. “I guess.”“I was thinking we could visit our usual karaoke place,” I said. “This Friday night, if you have time.”Jayden snorted. “I think I have about sixteen hours for the day.”“Good.”I grinned as I left him at t
Ashley POVJayden had already picked up his shirt and folded it on the nightstand to the left by the time I reached the door. For a moment, I let myself admire his muscular body, illuminated by the city lights. His bare arms and back arched and relaxed as he moved. His dark brown hair fell into his eyes, covering his forehead and eyebrows, and he flicked his head slightly to the side to keep his fringe from showing. His mouth was barely open as he focused on his task.And then he glanced over his shoulder, staring at me.Oh, shoot! I gasped. I hadn't meant to stare at him for long enough to get caught. Even worse, I had no clue what kind of expression I was wearing right now. Was I looking at him with awe? Sexual lust?Or even worse - affection?“I don't know how to lower the curtain,” he told me casually.“It's not that hard,” I said and pressed a button on top of the light switch, which caused a low buzz. The gray screen hidden in the wall slowly inched across the two panoramic wind
Ashley POVI finished my oatmeal quietly. Jayden didn't speak again, albeit he finally started eating his own breakfast. I got to my feet to put the bowls in the sink and pour some juice for both of us when he broke the silence.“What should I try to figure out today?”He had caught himself, his expression now neutral. I downed my juice and placed the glass in front of him. “I have no idea,” I admitted. “Since we only need a charger for your phone, which probably has a lot of information we can use...” I looked at him straight on. “I guess I could let you torture yourself some more by letting you watch YouTube.”Jayden sighed. “I guess so. I should take a look,” he told me. “I should try and see if I recognize myself.”I swallowed my first response, the one that would accuse him of being a complete idiot. But I understood him. I wouldn't want to just sit around and do nothing if I were the one with amnesia.“I'm going to wash the dishes,” I said shortly. “I might be back a little late
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